Premier League Rivals Praise De Bruyne as the 'Best Midfielder' After Leaving Man City
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Synopsis
The announcement of Kevin De Bruyne's departure from Manchester City has drawn admiration from rival Premier League coaches, including Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim, who regard him as one of the finest midfielders in league history. De Bruyne's impact on the game is widely acknowledged.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin De Bruyne to leave Manchester City at season's end.
- Mikel Arteta praises De Bruyne as one of the best ever.
- Ruben Amorim acknowledges De Bruyne's impact on the league.
- De Bruyne has scored 106 goals for City.
- He has won 19 major trophies during his time at City.
New Delhi, April 4 (NationPress) Following the announcement by Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne that he will depart the club at the season's conclusion, Mikel Arteta, who closely collaborated with the Belgian star during his tenure as assistant coach at the Cityzens, considers De Bruyne among the finest players in the Premier League.
Manchester United's head coach Ruben Amorim humorously remarked about the 33-year-old playing on the 'wrong' side of Manchester but acknowledged that KDB has significantly enhanced the English top division during his decade-long career.
"I can't specify if he's the best, second, or third, but undoubtedly, he's one of the greatest players in Premier League history. I've never encountered, nor played alongside a player capable of executing with such precision at high velocity. He can sprint at 33 or 34 kilometers per hour and deliver the ball 30 meters through two opponents to the ideal spot. No one else can perform at that pace," Arteta stated during the press conference.
"It's evident, he was among the best midfielders in the Premier League. Time affects everyone, and this is a natural progression. He has elevated the league. Although he was on the opposite side of Manchester, I wish him all the best. It was a pleasure to see him in Portugal numerous times," he continued.
The Belgian has participated in 413 matches for City, scoring 106 goals, thus becoming the first City midfielder since Colin Bell to achieve a century of goals.
The 33-year-old has amassed an impressive 19 major trophies with City, 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, labeling De Bruyne a ‘complete player.’
"Being a little shocked is likely the best way to describe it. I can only commend him. He is one of the finest midfielders ever in the Premier League. There are several greats, like Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard - iconic England players - but I believe De Bruyne ranks among them.
"He is an exceptional player, nearly a complete player in many aspects, and his contributions have been vital for Man City's triumphs in recent years," Frank remarked.
