The brilliant Kevin De Bruyne is the conductor-in-chief of a side so resplendent, multi-dimensional and downright revolutionary they quicken the pulse and elevate a frenetic sport to high-art.
Yet that is not wholly why he is considered to be one of the best midfielders of the Premier League era.
Even that lofty accolade undersells the Belgian genius incidentally, especially when his broad passing range is factored in, a generous scope that incorporates the utterly ridiculous.
In the tightest of spots, and knocked half off balance, De Bruyne can still thread a pass into space, right into the stride of a team-mate who was seconds ago out of shot, and you wonder if this is a magic trick, or if the Manchester City schemer is some kind of footballing Jedi?
Perhaps it’s a gift born of a rare, radical imagination? Whatever explains it, the 31-year-old’s passing can genuinely astound and that’s why it’s an understatement to say he’s one of the best midfielders of modern times.
A compilation of De Bruyne's passes should be sent to Mars to show aliens the best of what mankind is capable of.
— Stephen Tudor (@SteTudor123) January 17, 2021
He is one of the greatest players to ever grace an English football pitch.
Still though, as sublime as his touch and vision is, with a talent so substantial that he can do justice to both, we are only halfway to understanding this extraordinary player, one who has led his side to four league titles, while twice securing the PFA Player of the Year merit.
A player who can make a mockery of the football betting via a moment or three of pure alchemy.
To understand the other half we have to go back in time, but not by much, and to another place, though not too far from the Etihad. To Liverpool in fact, and more specifically Anfield across the 2000s.
How many times did we witness Steven Gerrard single-handedly haul this team to victory, in part from inspiring and cajoling those around him, but mainly from being the difference himself, making things happen on the biggest stage through sheer force of will.
De Bruyne does that too. He’s done it often.
Moreover, the comparison is there for all to see, in their similar physique and their ability to go up a level when it really matters. To dispense with niceties and become an all-action hero. Bossing proceedings. Bullying opponents into submission.
Many a time City have been on the ropes, a goal or two down, with the online betting community backing an upset, only for De Bruyne to supercharge his powers.
To cover every blade of grass. To pound his fist into his palm and demand more of others. To lead and to lead by example.
Gerrard did this better than anyone from his vintage, and De Bruyne is unsurpassed now, and maybe it’s inevitable that his dynamism goes unrecognized, or it’s at least under-appreciated, because his magic dazzles.
His passes astound and his astonishing 95 assists to date grab all the headlines.
How remarkable it is however, that this artist with paintbrushes in his boots is also the heart and lungs and driving force behind the most successful team of his day. In that respect, he is Paul Scholes and Roy Keane rolled into one.
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 13th February 2023
