Ex-Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has labelled Kevin De Bruyne a “magician”.
The Belgian international has been outstanding on his return to the team, following five months on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Speaking to Paddy Power, Sagna was full of praise for his former teammate:
“Kevin De Bruyne is a magician. He’s the best player in the league so to have him back is a massive help to Manchester City. I didn’t expect him to be so fit and make an instant impact. He can do anything, he’s a joke, honestly!
“I’ve never seen a player so complete. I played with good players and against good players, but he has all the qualities required to be very professional. He’s a winner and he hates losing. He has character and he puts the ball wherever he wants with his right foot, he has common sense and every choice he makes will be spot on.
Sagna likened De Bruyne to another ex-teammate of his, Santi Cazorla, who he played with at Arsenal. The Frenchman claims he hasn’t come across anyone more talented in his playing career:
“I’ve never seen a player like him. He and Santi Cazorla are the best players I’ve ever played with. Cazorla used to light up a game, like De Bruyne does. They are beautiful to watch and they’re artists, pure artists. We all play with the same ball but the way they use it is different to us.”
“It was so easy to use both feet, outside of the boot, floating passes, through balls. They can play passes to the millimeter. De Bruyne ticks all the boxes but for me, his professionalism is the key – he wants to win, and he wants to be the best.”
De Bruyne and Haaland’s return will spearhead City’s title challenge
Although both are clearly not back to 100% quite yet, the fact that De Bruyne and Erling Haaland are now fit and available, after lengthy spells on the sidelines, will give supporters hope that they can clinch yet another Premier League title.
Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 5 games in a row and they will be looking to make that six when they take on Everton at home this weekend.