New Delhi: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has named Kevin De Bruyne the second-best passer he has ever worked with, ranking him just behind Lionel Messi. The Spaniard was full of praise for the Belgian midfielder, placing him above other legendary pass-masters he has managed, such as Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez at FC Barcelona, and former City star David Silva.
The Belgian star announced last month that he will depart from City at the end of the season after a 10-year-long spectacular career, with his final home match as they host Bournemouth on Tuesday.
Guardiola said that Bruyne is one of the best three, and it would be difficult to find another player of his calibre. He said, “One is Messi and the other two, let me think about it…OK, let me put Kevin second.” He added, “Messi is the best I have ever seen because Messi has done it really, really close to the box, but Kevin is there. It’s just the stats, the goals, the assists, that he provides to the team in the final third and the talent.”
Pep Guardiola claims Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best passers he has EVER seen and only Lionel Messi is better than the Belgian 🐐 pic.twitter.com/uk7T8Iy3XN
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) May 19, 2025
Guardiola didn’t stop there, he even said that he is a unique player and that’s why he has earned respect as one of the best players City has ever had in the whole history. These are big, big words, but he deserves all this as he is a special talent.
De Bryne’s legacy in numbers
Kevin de Bruyne joined Manchester City from Bundesliga club Wolfsburg back in 2015. In over 10 years, he has won 16 trophies with the Citizens, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2023.
Memories 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qRNIVsNiht
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2025
The Belgian midfielder made 258 league appearances under Guardiola and registered 0.5 assists and created 3.6 chances per 90 minutes during rating higher than Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Silva. His passing accuracy is lower, 82.4%, when compared with the rest five players, but that is because he plays risky passes in the final third in an attempt to unlock opponent defences.
De Bruyne’s home farewell
Speaking about his replacement, the Spanish manager said, “There are players who are really, really difficult for many reasons, we know that. But the season we have done is the season we have done – we cannot deny it. Of course, we have to move forward.”
Whether he will start in the final home game in a City jersey at Etihad Stadium wasn’t confirmed by Pep. He said he will get what he deserves. There will be a post-match presentation for Bruyne to honour all he has done for the club. He will be given a guard of honour from teammates and coaches at full-time.
De Bruyne will be presented with gifts by legend Colin Bell’s wife and son after a short speech on the pitch. His campaign will come to an end on Sunday with a trip to Fulham marking his last game for Cityzens.
Pep Guardiola names Kevin De Bruyne the second-best passer after Lionel Messi as the Belgian prepares for an emotional Manchester City farewell. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
