‘He’s a GENIUS’: Jamie Redknapp hails ‘awesome’ Kevin de Bruyne and claims his mid-season slump ‘provoked something out of him’ to lead Man City’s title charge… as Roy Keane says he is ‘probably the best midfielder in top flight history’
- Jamie Redknapp is glowing in his praise of Man City star Kevin De Bruyne
- The 31-year-old celebrated his fifth Premier League title since joining the club in 2015
- Roy Keane also praised the Belgian’s performances for Pep Guardiola’s side
Jamie Redknapp has praised Kevin De Bruyne’s performances this season for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s side clinched a third straight Premier League title.
With the title already secured after Arsenal’s defeat at 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 comment that City’s selection of substitutes was ‘the best in history’ during Sunday’s clash.
The 31-year-old was eventually introduced in the latter stages, with the hosts on their way to a 1-0 win courtesy of an early goal from Julien Alvarez.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Redknapp called the former Wolfsburg star a ‘genius’ and insisted De Bruyne’s eye for picking assists was unique among players.
Jamie Redknapp has praised Kevin De Bruyne for his performances for Man City this season
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 in the middle of the season but that almost sparked something out of him.
‘These last 15 games he has been fantastic. I think he is a genius. The hardest thing is to score goals but the second hardest is to play that through the ball. He’s got an appreciation for the pass that few players have.’
The Belgium international has enjoyed a sensational start to the campaign, scoring three times and adding 10 assists in his first thirteen games.
However, De Bruyne suffered a dip in form either side of the World Cup break, exacerbated by the Group F favorites suffering a shock exit at the group stage scoring just one goal in the process.
The Belgian was instrumental as Pep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal at the Etihad in April
As their title race with Arsenal reached its peak, De Bruyne returned to his prolific ways, capped by a scintillating performance against the Gunners at the Etihad in April that swung the momentum of the chase in the Citizens’ favour.
Roy Keane also praised De Bruyne after Sunday’s match, insisting he is ‘probably the best’ midfielder to have played in the Premier League.
‘Great midfielder, probably the greatest in the Premier League. Affecting games, getting goals, getting assists, seems like a humble guy. A big player for City.’
