De Bruyne ‘second-best’ passer after Messi – Guardiola

Kevin de Bruyne, according to Pep Guardiola, is the “second-best” passer he has worked with after Lionel Messi, an excellent Argentine midfielder.

Guardiola ranks the departing Belgian in high regard, ahead of players like Xavi and Andres Iniesta at Barcelona and former City midfielder David Silva.

De Bruyne made the announcement last month that he would leave City when his contract expires at the end of the season. On Tuesday, his final home game will be against Bournemouth (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Guardiola praised him as “one of the best three” he has ever seen, saying it would be difficult to find another player who could pass the ball like De Bruyne before quickly changing his mind.

Guardiola remarked, “One is Messi.” “And the other two, please allow me to think about it.” “OK, let me put Kevin second.”

He continued, “Messi is the best I have ever seen because Kevin is present but Messi is very close to the box.” Just the talent and stats, goals, and assists that he gives the team in the final third.

Under Guardiola, the Belgian has 258 league games played, scoring 0. 5 assists and creating 3. 6 chances per 90 minutes, which is higher than Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, and Silva.

His passing accuracy of 82.4% is among the five players, but it could be due to the final third of his passes being played riskier in an effort to unlock defenses.

De Bruyne’s City days are coming to an end, according to BBC Sport, but the club is still looking for a creative midfielder, with Morgan Gibbs-White being one of the options.

Guardiola responded when asked if De Bruyne would be difficult to replace: “We all know that there are players who are really, really difficult for a variety of reasons.

De Bruyne will leave City on Tuesday for his final home game against Bournemouth.

De Bruyne did not say whether De Bruyne would face the Cherries, but Guardiola said, “Kevin will get what he deserves.” His incredible trajectory deserves the best compliment, in my opinion.

It would not have been possible without Sheikh Mansour taking the club to a higher level because of what he has accomplished with other legendary players.

He will be given a guard of honor from team-mates at full-time during the final game at Etihad Stadium.

De Bruyne will make a brief speech on the field before evoking his gratitude with the other players as they receive gifts from their late club legend, Colin Bell, and then take them on a lap of applause.

De Bruyne’s final game for the club is likely to be against Fulham on Sunday (16:00 BST), which is likely to be his final one.