Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has ranked Kevin De Bruyne as the second-best passer he has coached, placing him only behind Lionel Messi. The City manager, who previously worked with top-tier midfielders like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and David Silva, described the Belgian playmaker as “one of the best three” players he has encountered – before quickly upgrading him to second.
“Messi is the best I’ve seen, especially close to goal,” Guardiola said. “But Kevin is right up there. The numbers, the assists, the goals – what he does in the final third is exceptional.”
Guardiola also emphasized De Bruyne’s significance to the club’s history. “His contribution is enormous. It’s hard to find someone who can pass the ball like him. That quality is rare.”
Outstanding record under Guardiola
Since arriving at the club from Wolfsburg in 2015, De Bruyne has won 16 major titles, including six Premier League championships and the Champions League in 2023.
During Guardiola’s time in charge, De Bruyne has made 258 Premier League appearances. In those matches, he has averaged 0.5 assists and created 3.6 chances per 90 minutes – higher figures than Messi, Iniesta, Xavi, or Silva under Guardiola’s management.
His pass completion rate stands at 82.4%, the lowest among the five, which could be attributed to his tendency to attempt more aggressive, high-risk passes in attacking areas.
Although City had previously shown interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, the club has now cooled that pursuit. Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is among the potential names being considered as a replacement in midfield.
Farewell planned at Etihad
De Bruyne’s final home match for Manchester City is set for Tuesday against Bournemouth, with kick-off at 20:00 BST. Guardiola did not confirm whether the midfielder would start the game but confirmed the club has planned a send-off to mark his decade-long service.
“He will get what he deserves,” Guardiola stated. “Players like him, and others who’ve contributed so much, made it possible for the club to rise to new heights under Sheikh Mansour’s ownership.”
Following the match at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne will be honoured with a guard of honour from players and coaches. He is expected to give a short address on the pitch and receive gifts from the family of club legend Colin Bell, before joining his team-mates on a lap of appreciation.
City will end their domestic campaign away at Fulham on Sunday. While the Club World Cup in the United States begins in June, De Bruyne has indicated he is unlikely to feature, as any injury could complicate his next move after leaving the club.
