Kevin De Bruyne: 'Satan in His Foot,' Says Shaun Wright-Phillips

Kevin De Bruyne: ‘Satan in His Foot,’ Says Shaun Wright-Phillips

Manchester City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips has hailed Kevin De Bruyne as one of the greatest midfielders to ever grace the Premier League, describing him as having “Satan in his foot.” De Bruyne played a pivotal role in City’s Premier League triumph in the 2023-24 season, despite missing the first half of the campaign due to injury.

Wright-Phillips praised De Bruyne’s exceptional ability, saying, “He’s the perfect player to have behind you. He’s probably one of the greatest midfielders that have played in the Premier League.” The Belgian international joined City in 2015 and has since become a key figure, scoring 100 goals and providing numerous assists, including 19 for Erling Haaland in the past two seasons.

De Bruyne is also the quickest player to reach 100 Premier League assists, achieving the feat in just 237 matches. Wright-Phillips also spoke highly of Haaland, stating that the Norwegian striker is capable of breaking Lionel Messi’s record of 91 goals in a season.

“We’ve seen what Haaland is capable of over the last two years,” Wright-Phillips said. “He’s nearly reached 100 goals within a season, so I don’t see why he can’t break the record.” Haaland enjoyed a remarkable debut season with City, scoring 56 goals in all competitions and winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League treble.

In the 2023-24 season, Haaland continued his prolific form, netting 27 goals in 31 Premier League appearances. His impressive performances helped City secure another league title and League Cup double. Wright-Phillips believes that Haaland’s focus is not on breaking records but on scoring goals.

Manchester City Aim for Unprecedented Fifth Premier League Title

Manchester City Aim for Unprecedented Fifth Premier League Title

Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League continues unabated as they sit atop the standings with a perfect record after four games. Their impressive start has fueled speculation about whether they can extend their title reign to an unprecedented five consecutive seasons.

Former City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips believes the team has the potential to achieve this feat. “There is nothing wrong with them being able to win it again,” he said. “The team is pretty much the same.”

Wright-Phillips highlights the additions of Sylvinho and Ilkay Gundogan as key factors in City’s strength. “They give City a different edge and make them stronger in a different way,” he said.

Despite losing Julian Alvarez, Wright-Phillips believes City’s ability to adapt and find solutions is a testament to their resilience. “City have a knack of finding a way to deal with it and the players who are in there step up and do what they need to do,” he said.

The diminutive winger attributes City’s success to the mentality instilled by manager Pep Guardiola and the players. “The mentality they have for being at their best all the time is incredible,” he said.

Erling Haaland’s prolific start to the season, with nine goals in four matches, has further bolstered City’s title hopes. “He came to the club to score goals and he is doing exactly what he came to do,” said Wright-Phillips. “He is smashing every individual record that’s humanly possible to do in the space of two years.”

Wright-Phillips identifies Arsenal and Liverpool as City’s main challengers for the title. “You can’t write off Arsenal. They are a fantastic team with a fantastic manager,” he said. “You can’t write off Liverpool even though they have a new manager. It will be within those three teams.”

However, Wright-Phillips believes the early clash between City and Arsenal could have an impact on the title race. “In many ways, City vs Arsenal has come too early,” he said. “It would have been better 10-15 games in because the players would have been a lot sharper.”

Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Title Clash Looms at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City vs. Arsenal: Title Clash Looms at Etihad Stadium

Manchester City and Arsenal, two English Premier League powerhouses, are set to clash once again on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium, with the coveted title on the line. The Gunners, led by Mikel Arteta, will be determined to dethrone the reigning champions, who have triumphed over them in the past two seasons.

Arsenal’s defense has been a formidable force this season, conceding only one goal in five matches. However, they will face a stern test against Manchester City’s attacking prowess. Former City forward Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that the team’s ability to create individual moments of brilliance will be crucial in overcoming Arsenal’s defensive resilience.

“City always play tactically, but they also have players like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Kevin De Bruyne who can produce moments of magic,” Wright-Phillips said. “It doesn’t have to be a one-two or an interchange; it can be a shot from outside the box.”

Arsenal’s challenge has been compounded by the absence of their captain, Martin Odegaard, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. The Gunners’ attacking play has suffered in his absence, as evidenced by their recent goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.

Manchester City, on the other hand, also faced a goalless draw in their Champions League match against Inter Milan. However, they dominated the game, creating 22 shots with five on target. Wright-Phillips believes that City’s experience and depth will give them an edge over Arsenal.

“They dealt with a similar situation against Inter Milan and they will be prepared,” Wright-Phillips said. “I think they will be able to deal with the Arsenal counterattack and take their chances.”

The match promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams looking to exploit each other’s weaknesses. Arsenal will need to find a way to break down City’s defense without Odegaard, while City will need to be clinical in front of goal.

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