If De Bruyne's display in win over Crystal Palace is symbolic of what is to come
Like clockwork, the title race is entering its climax and Kevin De Bruyne has shifted into gear. It’s all rather predictable.
We should be used to it by now, of course. Big players come alive in the biggest periods.
They don’t come much bigger than De Bruyne. The brilliance of this Belgian magician never ceases to amaze.
If this virtuoso performance is symbolic of what is to come, then Liverpool and Arsenal have a big problem.
His brace here at Selhurst Park brought up a 100 goals for Manchester City. But his importance to City is measured by more than the tangibles.
He’s their talisman, their go-to-guy. Following an injury hit campaign that has restricted De Bruyne to just 16 appearances - City have missed him.
But what transpired at Selhurst Park is anything to go by, the signs of are ominous.
The ‘godfather of attacking midfielders’ described Joe Cole after witnessing De Bruyne’s purring display. Who can argue?
‘I don’t know if he likes scoring or giving assets more - but yes a really good performance,’ said his manager Pep Guardiola.
'Today, without Kevin, we wouldn’t be able to win. He was special. One of the best players in our history.’
Yet, for a while City were made to sweat - Jean-Phillipe Mateta firing Crystal Palace ahead in the third minute after slotting beyond Stefan Ortega following Adam Wharton’s incisive pass.
The Eagles striker, a cult figure round these parts, accepted the adulation but the precision of the pass was as impressive.
Palace have developed a penchant for unearthing EFL gems: Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Marc Guehi all signed off impressive displays in the Championship.
Sporting director Dougie Freedman has discovered another talent in Wharton, who has a promising balance of vision, work ethic and
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