Shaun Wright-Phillips Praises Kevin De Bruyne’s Impact
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne continues to receive praise for his remarkable contributions to the team. Former Premier League winner and Manchester City legend, Shaun Wright-Phillips, recently expressed his admiration for the Belgian playmaker. Wright-Phillips humorously remarked that De Bruyne “has Satan in his foot,” highlighting the midfielder’s incredible skills and influence on the pitch. De Bruyne played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s success, especially in their 2023-24 Premier League campaign, despite starting the season with an injury.
De Bruyne’s Return from Injury
After missing the first half of the 2023-24 Premier League season due to an injury, Kevin De Bruyne made an impressive comeback. In just 18 matches, he scored four goals and provided 10 assists, proving his importance to the Manchester City squad. Wright-Phillips emphasized De Bruyne’s ability to change games, stating, “He’s the perfect player to have behind you as an attacking player.”
De Bruyne’s vision, precision passing, and ability to create opportunities make him one of the best midfielders in Premier League history. His consistent performance over the years has earned him a special place among football’s elite.
A Milestone for De Bruyne
In April 2023, Kevin De Bruyne reached a significant milestone by scoring his 100th goal for Manchester City in a match against Crystal Palace. Since joining the team in 2015 from German club Wolfsburg, De Bruyne has consistently delivered top-level performances. His ability to assist his teammates, particularly star striker Erling Haaland, has been one of his standout qualities.
In the last two Premier League seasons alone, De Bruyne provided 19 assists to Haaland, further cementing their on-field partnership. De Bruyne also became the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League assists, achieving this feat in just 237 matches.
Haaland: The Record-Breaking Striker
Shaun Wright-Phillips did not stop at praising De Bruyne. He also discussed Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland. Wright-Phillips believes that Haaland has the potential to break Lionel Messi’s record of 91 goals in a calendar year, a record set during Messi’s time with FC Barcelona in 2012.
“We’ve seen what Haaland is capable of over the last two years. He’s nearly reached 100 goals within a season and a little bit,” said Wright-Phillips. The Norwegian striker has been in incredible form since joining Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022.
Haaland’s focus on scoring goals and his ability to convert chances into goals make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. While breaking Messi’s record is a tall order, Wright-Phillips believes Haaland’s form and dedication make it a possibility.
Haaland’s Impressive Debut Season
Erling Haaland’s first season in the Premier League was nothing short of spectacular. He scored a staggering 56 goals across all competitions in his debut season with Manchester City. This goal-scoring spree broke the record for the most goals by a Premier League player in a single season, showcasing Haaland’s extraordinary talent.
Haaland’s efforts helped Manchester City secure a historic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League during the 2022-23 season. For his outstanding performances, Haaland was awarded the prestigious ‘Gerd Muller Trophy’ for the Best Striker of the Year.
Haaland’s Contributions in the Premier League
In the 2022-23 Premier League season, Haaland scored 27 goals in 31 appearances, alongside registering five assists. His impressive debut campaign was followed by continued success in the 2023-24 season, where he helped Manchester City secure a league title and League Cup double.
At just 24 years old, Haaland has already established himself as one of the best strikers in the world. His combination of strength, speed, and finishing ability makes him a nightmare for defenders and a key figure in Manchester City’s ongoing success.
De Bruyne and Haaland: A Deadly Duo
The partnership between Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland has been one of the most lethal combinations in recent football history. De Bruyne’s pinpoint passes and Haaland’s clinical finishing have resulted in countless goals for Manchester City. The duo has become the backbone of City’s attacking prowess, with De Bruyne creating opportunities and Haaland converting them with ease.
Wright-Phillips highlighted this connection, stating that Haaland’s goal-scoring form is partly due to the support he receives from players like De Bruyne. The chemistry between the two players has been instrumental in Manchester City’s domestic and international success.
Conclusion: De Bruyne’s Legacy and Haaland’s Future
Kevin De Bruyne’s influence on Manchester City’s success cannot be overstated. Despite facing injury setbacks, his ability to control the midfield and provide assists makes him a crucial part of the team. As Shaun Wright-Phillips suggested, De Bruyne’s skill set is unmatched, making him one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland’s rise as one of the most feared strikers in football continues. His goal-scoring record and potential to break even more records make him a key player for Manchester City’s future. Together, De Bruyne and Haaland form a dynamic duo that will likely continue to dominate the Premier League and European competitions for years to come.
As the 2023-24 season progresses, Manchester City fans will be eager to see how these two stars shape the team’s journey toward more silverware. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
