Amorim Celebrates De Bruyne as the Premier League's Finest Midfielder After City Exit

Synopsis

On April 4, 2023, following Kevin De Bruyne's announcement of his exit from Manchester City, Mikel Arteta praised the midfielder as one of the all-time greats in the Premier League, while Ruben Amorim acknowledged KDB's impact on the league throughout his career.

Key Takeaways

Kevin De Bruyne announces departure from Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta praises De Bruyne as one of the best in Premier League history.
Ruben Amorim acknowledges the midfielder's significant contributions.
De Bruyne has scored 106 goals for City, a record for a midfielder.
He has won 19 major trophies with the club.

New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) In light of Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne announcing his departure from the club at the season's conclusion, Mikel Arteta, who previously collaborated with the Belgian star during his tenure as assistant coach with the Cityzens, has hailed De Bruyne as one of the greatest players in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim, the head coach of Manchester United, humorously remarked about the 33-year-old having played for the opposing side in Manchester but acknowledged that KDB has significantly enhanced the English top flight throughout his decade-long career.

"I can't say if he's the first, second, or third, but undoubtedly, he's among the top players in Premier League history. I've never encountered or played alongside anyone who can execute with such precision at such high speeds. He can sprint at 33 or 34 kilometers per hour and deliver a ball 30 meters through two defenders to the ideal location. I've never seen anyone else accomplish that at that speed," Arteta stated during the press conference.

"It's evident; he was one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League. Time affects everyone, and it's a natural progression. He has elevated the league. Even though he played for the wrong side of Manchester, I wish him all the best. It was a joy to see him in Portugal numerous times," he added.

The Belgian has made 413 appearances for City, netting 106 goals, making him the first City midfielder to reach a century of goals since Colin Bell.

During his remarkable career with City, the 33-year-old has secured an impressive 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and three Community Shields.

Brentford's head coach Thomas Frank expressed his surprise at the announcement, describing De Bruyne as a 'complete player.'

"Being a little shocked is probably the best way to put it. I can only commend him. He is among the best midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. There are several greats, but in terms of central offensive players like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard—iconic English players—De Bruyne ranks among them.

"He is a top player, nearly a complete player in many aspects, and has been vital to Manchester City's success in recent years," Frank concluded.