In what turned out to be a disappointing 0-0 draw for Manchester City against Manchester United, Kevin De Bruyne’s final Manchester derby ended with little fanfare on the pitch.
But off it, the legendary midfielder was showered with admiration from football pundits who hailed him as one of the greatest to have ever played in the Premier League.
De Bruyne’s Farewell: A Career Defined by Exceptional Assists
The 33-year-old Belgian announced earlier this week that he will leave Manchester City at the end of the season, marking the end of a decade-long tenure that has firmly established him as one of the finest midfielders to grace English football.
With 118 Premier League assists to his name—just shy of Ryan Giggs’ record—De Bruyne has redefined the role of a midfielder with his ability to control the game, create opportunities, and score goals.
His assist record, which stands as the best in terms of minutes-per-assist in the competition’s history, speaks volumes about his consistency and brilliance.
On average, De Bruyne has set up a goal every 177 minutes, an astonishing statistic that solidifies his place as one of the all-time greats in the Premier League.
Pundits Praise De Bruyne’s Influence and Vision
Following the Manchester derby draw, Sky Sports pundits Gary Neville and Roy Keane were quick to acknowledge the lasting impact De Bruyne has had on the Premier League.
Keane, known for his candid assessments, was full of praise for the midfielder’s technical brilliance.
He said, “The stats speak for themselves, but it’s the way he made everything look easy.
In possession, he was always in complete control, and his assists and goals were truly special.”
Keane didn’t hesitate when asked whether De Bruyne would make his all-time Premier League XI: “I’d have him in there,” he declared.
Neville, on the other hand, went even further, calling De Bruyne the best player in his position the Premier League has ever seen.
He drew comparisons to two other iconic players, David Beckham and Steven Gerrard, particularly noting De Bruyne’s exceptional crossing ability, which has often left defenders guessing and powerless to stop him.
“He’s a world-class player,” Neville said, emphasizing the precision of De Bruyne’s crosses, which were often a thing of beauty.
His ability to change games, especially with his pinpoint deliveries, made him a game-changer for City.
Neville added, “Kevin has been the best player in the Premier League for the last seven or eight years.”
Micah Richards Weighs In on De Bruyne’s Legacy
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, who played alongside the likes of Yaya Touré and David Silva, echoed Neville’s sentiments.
Richards, who knows firsthand how influential De Bruyne was to City’s success, explained, “What a player he’s been. An absolute legend.”
Comparing De Bruyne to his City teammates, Richards acknowledged that while players like Silva and Touré were exceptional, De Bruyne’s numbers and influence on the pitch were unparalleled.
An Emotional Goodbye from De Bruyne
As the season winds down, De Bruyne took to social media to confirm his departure from Manchester City, posting an emotional farewell letter to the club and the city that he had made his home.
He wrote, “Football led me to all of you—and to this city. Chasing this dream, not knowing this period would change my life.
This city. This club. These people… gave me EVERYTHING.”
In his heartfelt message, De Bruyne thanked the club, staff, teammates, and fans for the incredible journey they had shared over the last decade.
“This will always be our HOME,” he added, reflecting on his family’s deep connection to the city.
A Career Full of Achievements and Records
As the season progresses, De Bruyne will continue to give his all for Manchester City in these final months.
His remarkable contributions have already earned him a permanent place in the club’s history books, and his legacy in English football will be remembered for years to come.
As Gary Neville aptly summarized: “He’s done everything you could ever ask for in the Premier League.
He’s right at the very top.”
De Bruyne’s farewell from Manchester City marks the end of a chapter that will be hard to replicate, not only at City but also in the Premier League.
His extraordinary career serves as an example of what it means to be truly great on and off the pitch.
