De Bruyne on playing for Pep

Kevin De Bruyne is the Premier League’s most creative player, topping the assist charts in his starring role for Manchester City. Adam Bate caught up with him to discuss his role in the team, pressing for Pep Guardiola and why he wants to stay at City…

Ask anyone. Kevin De Bruyne is special. Kelechi Iheanacho talks of his intelligence. Others speak of his speed. Fernandinho focuses on how he combines the two qualities. “He makes the decisions so fast that it’s hard for opponents to react,” explains the Brazilian.

Sergio Aguero highlights his “fantastic vision” and says he is someone who “sees things others cannot” while Gael Clichy singles him out as a player who changes games even when not at his best. No wonder Pep Guardiola is such a fan. “De Bruyne is a joy,” he says.

“Without the ball he is a fighter, with the ball he sees everything and he always makes the right decision. He is a player on another level, and we are lucky to have him. I hope he enjoys playing his amazing football with us. He is one of the great players I have managed.”

All of which might go to a man’s head. But speaking to De Bruyne before he heads out for a speed training session in Nike Football’s latest apparel, the Manchester City midfielder confirms Guardiola’s hope – he’s having as much fun doing it as everyone else is watching.

“I am enjoying the way that we are playing,” De Bruyne tells Sky Sports. “I think we are playing good football and the way that we want to play is very positive. I think people enjoy watching us play which is a good thing.

“Obviously Guardiola is a great coach. It’s what I expected from the beginning. His style has always been there, it has little small changes every now and then because I think he also wants to evolve as a trainer by trying new things to get better.”

Guardiola’s tactical tinkering has become a trademark. His decisions are pored over by media …

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