‘He’s a GENIUS’: Jamie Redknapp hails ‘magnificent’ Kevin de Bruyne, claiming his mid-season slump ‘ignited something in him’ to lead Man City’s title fight… as Roy Keane says he’s ‘ probably the best’is midfielder in the history of the top flight’
- Jamie Redknapp glowed in his praise of Man City star Kevin De Bruyne
- The 31-year-old is celebrating his fifth Premier League title since joining the club in 2015
- Roy Keane also praised the Belgian’s performance for Pep Guardiola’s side
Jamie Redknapp has praised Kevin De Bruyne’s performance this season for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side claimed their third consecutive Premier League title.
With the title already secured after Arsenal’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Guardiola fielded a highly rotated squad as the champions hosted Chelsea at the Emirates.
De Bruyne was one of the resting stars as he sat alongside Erling Haaland, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish, prompting Gary Neville to comment that City’s squad of substitutes was ‘the best in history’ during Sunday’s clash.
The 31-year-old would eventually be introduced in the dying minutes, with the hosts already on their way to a 1-0 win thanks to an early goal from Julien Alvarez.
Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Redknapp called the former Wolfsburg star a ‘genius’ and insisted De Bruyne’s eye for picking an assist is unique among players.
Jamie Redknapp praised Kevin De Bruyne for his performance this season for Man City
De Bruyne appeared as a late substitute against Chelsea before taking his fifth Premier League title with City
“I think De Bruyne struggled a bit midway through the season, but that almost provoked something out of him.
“He’s been great in the last 15 games. I think he’s a genius. The hardest part is scoring goals, but the second hardest thing is playing that through ball. He has that appreciation for passing that few players have ever had.’
The Belgium international had a sensational start to the campaign, scoring three times and providing 10 assists in his first thirteen games.
However, De Bruyne suffered a dip in form on both sides of the World Cup break, exacerbated by the Group F favorites suffering a shock group stage exit, scoring just one goal in the process.
The Belgian played a key role as Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Arsenal at the Etihad in April
As their title race with Arsenal got underway, De Bruyne returned to his prolific ways, capped off with a tantalizing performance against the Gunners at the Etihad in April that turned the momentum of the chase back in favor of the Citizens.
Roy Keane also praised De Bruyne after Sunday’s game, insisting he is ‘probably the best’ midfielder to ever play in the Premier League.
“Great midfielder, probably the best in the Premier League. Influences matches, scores goals, gets assists, seems a humble man. A great player for City.’