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De Bruyne’s days as an untouchable in Manchester City’s starting 11 might be coming to an end
Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has hinted that star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is not as untouchable as he once was at the club.
De Bruyne no longer an untouchable at Manchester City.
Guardiola in his unmistakable blunt nature has called into question De Bruyne’s unshakable presence in Manchester City’s starting line up, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager suggesting that his team could seek alternatives to De Bruyne at certain moments in certain games.
The Manchester City boss sighted instances where other players thrive and De Bruyne struggles, while also hinting at reduced game time for the Belgian midfielder by referencing the size and competitiveness of the Cityzen’s squad.
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Guardiola said, “Seven years we know each other very well. I know when Kevin is ready and sometimes not. Sometimes we need another type of player in that position. Sometimes we need more players in the boxes and Kevin struggles a bit right there.
“Big competition in the squad. Some games need a specific player that Kevin for example struggles a little bit.”
De Bruyne has earned his status at Manchester City
Guardiola’s comments come as something of a surprise since Dr Bruyne has been in fairly good form for Manchester City this season.
The Belgian midfielder has created 20 big chances in the Premier League, the most in the league, and has also assisted 11 goals for his teammates, another chart topping stat.
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De Bruyne has also assisted more goals than any other Manchester City player in any competition as well, so Guardiola’s recent comments might leave him puzzled.
Despite his prowess at creating goals, De Bruyne can sometimes be accused of not being hungry for goals himself and perhaps this is what Guardiola refers to as needing more players in the box since De Bruyne’s best attributes are outside the box, especially when compared to a teammate like Ilkay Gundogan whose introduction in City’s final match of the 2021/22 season won them the title thanks to two goals where he arrived late in the box to slot in, ironically once from a De Bruyne assist.
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