When Kevin De Bruyne arrived at Manchester City in 2015, few could have foreseen the profound transformation he would bring to the club and the Premier League. A decade later, he stands as an icon, his influence woven into every major City triumph under Pep Guardiola, redefining the standards for a modern midfielder.
Kevin De Bruyne's statistical achievements are nothing short of extraordinary. As of the 2024/25 season, he boasts 71 Premier League goals and 119 assists. This assist tally places him fourth on the all-time Premier League assists chart, trailing only Ryan Giggs, Cesc Fàbregas, and Wayne Rooney. Remarkably, De Bruyne achieved this feat in significantly fewer games, cementing his status as arguably the most efficient playmaker in league history. His contributions extend beyond the Premier League, with 153 assists and 98 goals in all competitions for Manchester City, showcasing his consistent elite performance.
De Bruyne's record-breaking feats include being the only player in Premier League history to register 15+ assists in four different seasons and equaling Thierry Henry's record of 20 assists in a single Premier League season in 2019/20. However, his impact transcends mere numbers. De Bruyne's artistry, characterized by assists with the outside of the boot, inch-perfect low crosses, and visionary reverse passes, elevates his statistics into iconic moments.
Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, renowned for its intricate patterns and positional play, found its unpredictable spark in De Bruyne. His ability to play between the lines, create from the half-spaces, and deliver inch-perfect crosses on the run became City's potent weapon. De Bruyne uniquely blended traditional playmaker qualities with the work rate and physicality of a box-to-box midfielder, pressing like a defensive mid, attacking like a number 10, and covering ground like a wide player, redefining the modern midfielder.
As De Bruyne's contract nears its end, tributes from across the footballing landscape have poured in, signaling a farewell tour for one of the Premier League's greatest players. Pep Guardiola lauded him as "the best midfielder in the world," while Erling Haaland described playing with De Bruyne as "a dream." Jürgen Klopp acknowledged his ability to be "two steps ahead of everyone else," and Frank Lampard hailed him as "the best" in terms of assists, vision, and drive.
De Bruyne's style has influenced an entire generation of Premier League midfielders. His relentless energy, defensive contributions, and versatility have set a new standard, prompting clubs to seek midfielders capable of both creating and grafting. Tactically, managers have adapted, with full backs inverting and wingers cutting inside to accommodate De Bruyne's runs.
Kevin De Bruyne's Notable Awards:
De Bruyne's individual accolades further underscore his exceptional career. He has won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award twice, the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award twice, and the UEFA Midfielder of the Season award. His inclusion in the UEFA Team of the Year and the FIFA FIFPro World11 highlights his global recognition.
With his contract expiring, Manchester City confirmed his departure, marking the end of a golden era. As he prepares to leave the Etihad, De Bruyne does so as a club legend. His final games are more than just fixtures; they are tributes to a player who redefined midfield excellence. His legacy will endure, shaping the future of the Premier League.
