Pep Guardiola reveals why Kevin De Bruyne will never play as a Midfielder for Manchester City

Pep Guardiola reveals why Kevin De Bruyne will never play as a Midfielder for Manchester City

January 13, 2024 Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne receive instructions from manager Pep Guardiola before being substituted

Kevin De Bruyne has been spearheading Manchester City’s ruthless offense for the last 8 years since he joined in 2015. As an attacking midfielder, De Bruyne consistently creates chances for City’s frontline. Meanwhile, he is also famous for his stellar long-range goals for Pep Guardiola‘s side. Now, the Belgian has returned from a lengthy injury and entered the latter stage of his career. Hence, fans and analysts think that he would drop back as a defensive midfielder, instead of bolstering City’s attack. But Guardiola begs to differ.

 

 

He guaranteed that Kevin De Bruyne would continue to do what he had famously done over the last few years. Notably, the 32-year-old has played a crucial role in Manchester City’s attack after recovering from his injury.

 

Guardiola confirms ‘nothing changes’ regarding KDB’s position

In a press conference before the Manchester City-Brentford match, Pep Guardiola was quizzed if Kevin De Bruyne would shift to a deep midfielder’s role, going ahead. “With Kevin, in eight years, he’s never played as a holding midfielder defending deep. Kevin has to play in the position he played during the eight years and a half we have been together. Nothing changes. Absolutely nothing,” said Guardiola. He added, “Of course, he can help us and when he runs deep, he helps us a lot, but I prefer Kevin make a high press up front.”

 

Thereafter, in response to a reporter’s question, the Spanish boss iterated that he doesn’t see KDB shifting to a defensive role, even if he is getting older and slower. Guardiola has verbally confirmed that Kevin De Bruyne will continue as an attacking midfielder. Well, the Belgian’s recent performances speak volumes for his credibility as an attacker. The 32-year-old seems never too old to spearhead the Sky Blues’ attack.

 

Kevin De Bruyne recently proved he is at the center of City’s attack

After missing more than half of Manchester City’s Premier League action because of a hamstring injury, Kevin De Bruyne returned in a game against Newcastle United. His performance from that night was one for the books. The 32-year-old came off the bench in the second half while City was still trailing 2-1 against the Magpies.

 

Minutes after his return, Kevin De Bruyne found the net in the 74th minute, equalizing the game. Later, in the 91st minute, he set up Oscar Bobb for a game-winning finish, completing a clutch Manchester City comeback.

 

Later, in Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League knockout clash against Copenhagen, Kevin De Bruyne again emerged as the side’s redeemer. He played his role in all 3 of City’s goals in their 1-3 victory over the Danish side. KDB opened the scoring that night and then set up Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden for the latter goals.

 

Hence, as pointed out by Guardiola, it is paramount for the club that De Bruyne continues to dominate up front.