Kevin De Bruyne is my Manchester City blueprint, says Pep Guardiola
Belgian inspires 4-1 win against Tottenham with goal and assist as City extend their Premier League lead to 14 points
Pep Guardiola said Kevin De Bruyne incarnated Manchester City’s future after the Belgian’s sublime display inspired his side to an emphatic 4-1 victory over Tottenham.
De Bruyne smashed in City’s second goal and had a hand in their third, scored by Raheem Sterling, who went on to complete a double as City registered a record-extending 16th successive Premier League win.
De Bruyne’s passing repeatedly tore holes in the Spurs defence and Guardiola said that ability on the ball, allied to his exemplary work-rate, made him a figurehead for the club’s young players.
“Kevin is one of the most talented players and you see how he runs without the ball,” said the City manager.
“You cannot imagine how good he plays with the ball, but he runs like a player in the Conference [semi-professional] league.
“It’s a good example for the young players, for our academy, for Phil Foden, for Brahim [Diaz]. They know how good Kevin De Bruyne is. And when they see how he runs and he fights without the ball, that is the best example.