Jamie Carragher says there is only ONE foreign player better than Kevin De Bruyne in Premier League history after Man City great confirmed he will leave

• Kevin De Bruyne announced he will leave Man City at the end of the season
• Jamie Carragher placed him in the top two greatest foreign players in the league 
• LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! The signs that Ruben Amorim’s Man United side are getting there 

By DANIEL DAVIS

Jamie Carragher believes only one foreign player has been better than Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne in the history of the Premier League. 

De Bruyne announced he will leave the Etihad at the end of his contract in June, bringing an end to an illustrious decade-long spell that has seen him win 16 trophies.

Since joining from Wolfsburg, the 33-year-old has played an integral role in six Premier League titles, the Champions League triumph in 2023, two FA Cup successes and five Carabao Cup victories, all under Pep Guardiola. 

He has also scored 106 goals and chalked up 174 assists, cementing his spot in the club’s folklore and among the very best to have graced the top-flight.

Ahead of City’s derby trip to Manchester United on Sunday, Carragher took a look back at De Bruyne’s illustrious career in the Premier League before insisting that only one foreign player has surpassed him.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: ‘For me, he’s been the best player in the Premier League for the past four or five years.

Jamie Carragher says Kevin De Bruyne is the second best foreign player in the Premier League

De Bruyne confirmed he would leave Manchester City at the end of the season

Carragher said De Bruyne would be included in his all-time top-flight starting XI

‘I think, besides Thierry Henry, he’s the best foreign player we’ve seen in the Premier League. I’d go as far as to say that. 

‘He’d get in my all-time Premier League XI. He’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen grace our shores and play in our league. And not just the Premier League – we’re going back however long.

‘When Liverpool and Man City were head-to-head, going for league titles for what felt like four or five seasons, he was the difference. Liverpool could match City in every other area but that position, in terms of an attacking midfield player.

‘When City got that edge by a point or two, I felt Kevin De Bruyne was the difference.’ 

City boss Pep Guardiola paid tribute to De Bruyne after his imminent departure was confirmed, saying: ‘Sad day. Happy day for the pleasure I live with him.

‘What he gives all of us, his humanity and influence in our success wouldn’t be possible without him. A part of us is leaving. 

‘He’s one of the greatest in the Premier League, midfielders ever in this country. Always have to be respectful for players from Maine Road and last 20, 30 years. 

‘But come on, no doubt he’s one of the greatest for sure. 

Only Thierry Henry tops De Bruyne on Carragher’s list of the best foreign stars in the league

De Bruyne has scored 106 goals and won 16 trophies during his glittering 10-year City stay

‘The doors are open for the rest of his life. Whatever he wants to do. The impact of some players transcends the pitch. He is one of them.’

De Bruyne could round off his City spell by winning his 17th trophy in the FA Cup final. Guardiola’s side face Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals at Wembley on April 27. 

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Jamie Carragher says there is only ONE foreign player better than Kevin De Bruyne in Premier League history after Man City great confirmed he will leave

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