Jamie Redknapp hails ‘genius’ Kevin De Bruyne after Man City’s Premier League win

Jamie Redknapp has hailed Kevin De Bruyne’s performances this season for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side claimed a third consecutive Premier League title.

With the title already secured after Arsenal’s defeat by Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Guardiola fielded a heavily rotated side as the champions played host to Chelsea at the Emirates.

De Bruyne was one of the stars rested as he sat alongside the likes of Erling Haaland, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish, prompting Gary Neville to remark on commentary that City’s selection of substitutes was ‘the best in history’ during the clash on Sunday.

The 31-year-old woulds eventually be introduced during the closing stages, with the hosts already on their way to a 1-0 win courtesy of an early goal from Julien Alvarez.

Speaking on Sky Sports following the game, Redknapp called the former Wolfsburg star a ‘genius’ and insisted De Bruyne’s eye for picking out an assist is unique among players.

De Bruyne appeared as a late substitute against Chelsea before lifting his fifth Premier League title with City

‘I think De Bruyne had a bit of a struggle midway through the season but that almost provoked something out of him. 

‘These last 15 games he’s been magnificent. I think he’s a genius. The hardest thing is to score goals but the second hardest is to play that through ball. He’s got that appreciation of pass only a few players have ever had.’

The Belgium international enjoyed a sensational start to campaign, scoring three times and adding 10 assists in his first thirteen games.

However, De Bruyne suffered a dip in form on either side of the World Cup break, made worse by the Group F favourites suffering a shock exit in the group stage scoring just one goal in the process.

The Belgian was instrumental as Pep Guardiola’s side defeated Arsenal at the Etihad in April

As their title race with Arsenal reached its run in, De Bruyne returned to his prolific ways, capped off with a tantalising performance against the Gunners at the Etihad in April that swung the momentum of the chase back in the Citizens favour.

Roy Keane also heaped praise on De Bruyne after Sunday’s fixture, insisting that he is ‘probably the best’ midfielder ever to have played in the Premier League.

‘Great midfielder, probably the greatest in the Premier League. Affects games, scores goals, gets assists, seems a humble guy. A huge player for City.’