Manchester City’s central player, Kevin De Bruyne, has been excluded from the squad for the upcoming Premier League game on Sunday, set to take place at Craven Cottage.
Manchester City Faces Fulham Without De Bruyne
Manchester City will be missing their crucial midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, during Sunday’s Premier League confrontation against Fulham at Craven Cottage. The accomplished Belgian player did not join the team on their journey to West London. Pep Guardiola’s squad is aware that a win would enable them to surpass Arsenal and ascend to the top of the league standings.
De Bruyne’s Stellar Performance and Fitness Concerns
De Bruyne has exhibited exceptional form throughout this season, amassing seven goals and contributing 18 assists in 29 Premier League matches. Nevertheless, City’s official website has reported that the Belgian professional is not in optimal condition, although they did not disclose further information.
Kevin De Bruyne: A Glimpse into His Illustrious Past
In his younger days, Kevin De Bruyne had already shown tremendous potential. He began his professional career with KRC Genk, a Belgian club, in 2008. De Bruyne excelled there, becoming an integral part of the team that won the Belgian Pro League during the 2010-2011 season. His impressive performances caught the attention of top European clubs, and eventually, Chelsea signed him in 2012.
De Bruyne’s stint at Chelsea was short-lived as he struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Consequently, he was loaned to Werder Bremen for the 2012-2013 season, where he flourished, registering ten goals and nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances. In 2014, he permanently moved to VfL Wolfsburg, and his career truly took off.
Wolfsburg Success and Move to Manchester City
During his time at Wolfsburg, De Bruyne showcased his remarkable talent. In the 2014-2015 season, he scored 16 goals and provided 27 assists, which helped his team secure a second-place finish in the Bundesliga and win the DFB-Pokal. De Bruyne was awarded the 2015 Footballer of the Year in Germany for his outstanding performances.
Manchester City recognized De Bruyne’s immense talent and secured his transfer in August 2015 for a then club-record fee. It was at City where De Bruyne blossomed into one of the world’s best midfielders, playing a crucial role in their domestic and European success.
Dominance in the Premier League
De Bruyne’s impact on Manchester City was profound. In his first season, he scored eight goals and provided 16 assists across all competitions. His exceptional performances helped the team reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and win the Football League Cup. In the following years, De Bruyne continued to shine, reaching double figures in both goals and assists regularly.
In the 2017-2018 season, under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, De Bruyne was instrumental in Manchester City’s record-breaking Premier League campaign. He scored eight goals and provided 16 assists as City became the first team to reach 100 points in a single season. His performances earned him the inaugural Premier League Playmaker of the Season award.
Overcoming Injuries and Continued Success
Despite facing injuries during the 2018-2019 season, De Bruyne demonstrated resilience and determination. He played an essential role in Manchester City’s historic domestic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup in a single season.
In the 2019-2020 season, De Bruyne was back to his best, scoring 13 goals and providing an astonishing 20 assists in the Premier League, equaling Thierry Henry’s long-standing record for most assists in a single season. This remarkable feat earned him his second Premier League Playmaker of the Season award.
In summary, Kevin De Bruyne’s past performances were nothing short of extraordinary. He overcame challenges and consistently displayed an exceptional level of skill, proving himself to be one of the best midfielders of his generation.