Kevin De Bruyne is only the second-best passer Pep Guardiola has seen, Manchester City manager admits | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that Kevin De Bruyne may only be the second-best passer he has witnessed in his managerial career.

The 33-year-old will be leaving the Etihad Stadium upon the expiry of his current Manchester City contract, after a decision was taken internally not to offer renewed terms to the Belgium international ahead of a summer of major change.

As such, De Bruyne and his family have been free to decide upon their next steps both in terms of career opportunities for the midfielder as well as their own personal life, particularly for their three young children.

For now, it appears as though Napoli will become the De Bruyne’s next home, after the Serie A Champions made a strong effort to persuade the legendary Premier League midfielder to make the switch to Italy.

Kevin De Bruyne will be leaving behind an immense legacy within the English game as a whole, but particularly at Manchester City given the remarkable success he has played an integral role in bringing to the football club over the last decade.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola has been specifically quizzed on the passing quality of De Bruyne, and where the iconic Belgian ranks among the best in that category of the players he has managed in his career.

“It’s difficult to find, he’s one of the best three I’ve ever seen, I’ve ever played [with], I’ve ever dealt with,” Guardiola said.

When asked who the other two players are, he continued, “One is [Lionel] Messi, and the other two, let me think about it… OK, put Kevin second.”

“I said [Lionel] Messi is the best I’ve ever seen, because Messi has done it really, really close to the box, but Kevin is there.

“Just with the stats, the goals, the assists that he has provided to the team in the final third, the talent,” he added.

“Last game he made two or three passes again in front of the keeper – that is unique. That’s why he’s been one of the best players that this club has done in all of history. And it’s a big, big word, because he’s been a special player.”

For now it remains to be seen what direction Manchester City bosses will go down in terms of replacing a player of De Bruyne’s stature, with a number of names linked to the club over the course of the last few weeks.

Nottingham Forest and England international Morgan Gibbs-White is understood to be a primary target on City’s shortlist of options, although the 25-year-old is likely to come at an immense cost.

Most recently however, City were connected with an admiration and interest in Olympique Lyonnais’ Rayan Cherki, who could be available at a cut-price £25 million this summer, while reservations may be had over the Frenchman’s temperament.