Without a doubt, Kevin de Bruyne is the best player in the Premier League. The most gifted, the most creative and the man who makes the biggest impact for his team – he really is the life and soul of Pep Guardiola’s new-look Manchester City. The Belgium midfielder featured in 37 of City’s 38 league games last season; scoring eight goals whilst assisting a league-high 16 for his teammates. And Blues fans are expecting a similar return in 2018/19.

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De Bruyne looked set to scoop the Player of the Year award and he would have done had it not been for a masterful Mohamed Salah performance in the second half of the season. The Liverpool star broke record after record in his first year at Anfield and he managed to pip De Bruyne to the top flight’s coveted accolade. This time around, the Belgian will be looking to get his hands on the Player of the Year award – and he will take some stopping in his pursuit of individual recognition.

Belgium Star Up There with Pep’s Best

Guardiola has worked with some special midfielders and De Bruyne ranks up there with the likes of Xavi and Andres Iniesta. He oozes confidence and class; he has a unique ability to control the entire tempo of a football match. If City need to up the intensity, it will come from De Bruyne. If City need to slow things down and adopt a more controlled approach, De Bruyne will adjust their style. Without his presence in midfield, City would struggle.

The Blues were on another level last season but Pep will still look to improve the squad in the transfer window. De Bruyne’s place in the starting line-up is not under threat though, he is one of the first names on Guardiola’s team sheet. City romped to the title in 2017/18, finishing 19 points clear of closest rivals Manchester United – a new top-flight record. Blues fans will be hoping for another season of dominance.

De Bruyne to Return as a World Cup Winner?

City are red hot favourites to retain the top-flight crown in 2018/19 and De Bruyne’s form will be key to their aspirations. Pep’s midfield maestro could return for pre-season training as a World Cup winner if Belgium live up to the hype this summer. According to the latest odds available at William Hill, Roberto Martinez’s men are 8/1 to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy and De Bruyne is just as pivotal for Belgium as he is for City at club level.

 

Salah will be looking to emulate his recent exploits next season but De Bruyne’s desire and hunger to succeed may give him the edge. City are primed to enjoy another title-winning campaign and De Bruyne will be hoping that he is awarded the recognition that his efforts deserve. The Belgium midfielder is a joy to watch and neutrals will be expecting big things from him next season; sit back, relax and watch a maestro at work.

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