Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola lauded veteran midfielder Kevin de Bruyne after their 4-2 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday. The Spanish tactician called the Belgian as the one of the best players in Manchester City’s history.
City was stunned after Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in the fourth minute. However, the visitors equalized with Kevin de Bruyne scoring in the 13th minute.
Rico Lewis and Erling Haaland extended City’s lead in the second half before de Bruyne scored his second of the night in the 70th minute. This was the 100th goal by de Bruyne for the Cityzens.
Odsonne Edouard got one back for the home team but it was too late for any 11th-minute drama. Pep said they would not have bagged all three points against Palace if not for Kevin de Bruyne’s fine performance.
City boss Guardiola said: “Today Kevin won the game. Without Kevin today maybe we would not be able to win, so when we talk about tactics, about managers, having players like Kevin in these kinds of games, it’s easy.
“I listen to him on the bus, in the locker room, in the training session, (he) laughs, and we are safe. His body language dictates a lot how he is, and all the players, but especially Kevin.
“How many years has he been with us, nine years, 10 years? The numbers, the presence, the consistency have been amazing. He’s one of the best players in the history of Manchester City.”
On scoring the 100th goal for City, De Bruyne told his club’s website: “Yeah, it’s funny. I had a conversation with Erling [Haaland] and Phil [Foden] and said the only goal I want is to score 100 before you guys.
“Erling was like 18 behind but he would probably score that in two games.
“It’s a proud moment. It means that I’ve had longevity here. It means a lot of good moments for this club.”
Manchester City will next take on Real Madrid in the first leg quarterfinal of the Champions League on Tuesday night.
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