- Manchester City beat Chelsea courtesy of Kevin De Bruyne strike in second half
- Midfielder has been in sensational form and is contender for player of the year
- Antonio Conte admitted: ‘He’s a technical player, fast, a good personality’
Pep Guardiola and Antonio Conte both lauded Kevin De Bruyne as the Belgian produced another masterful performance and scored the winning goal to keep Manchester City top of the Premier League.
On his return to Stamford Bridge, where he was deemed surplus to requirements by Jose Mourinho back in 2012, De Bruyne showed his former club exactly what they were missing.
He netted a 67th minute strike and produced another outstanding performance to further his claim to be the Premier League’s most influential player.
Kevin De Bruyne is the ‘complete player’ according to Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
And even beaten managed Conte was ready to praise the former Chelsea man. ‘I don’t know, honestly, what happened in the past,’ said Conte. ‘But for sure we are talking about a top player.
‘He’s a good technical player, fast, a good personality. I think he’s a complete player’
Guardiola was even more effusive about his man after another match-winning performance which leaves City ahead of Manchester United by a single goal on goal difference.
The Manchester City midfielder scored the decisive goal in Manchester City’s win
De Bruyne was hailed by Pep Guardiola for his humble personality as well as ability
‘He can do absolutely everything,’ said Guardiola. ‘With the ball, he’s a guy who can play different positions, go to the channels, assist long or short.
After, without the ball he’s the most humble, the most shy guy. He says if I have to run 100 kilometres for the team, I will do that. Its not easy to find that with this kind of talented players.
‘That’s why he’s one of our captains. I think he makes a step forward and people feel comfortable having him on the pitch.’