Kevin De Bruyne is back - and so are Manchester City.
The Belgian superstar left some shoes that couldn't quite be filled as Pep Guardiola's side slumped to seven winless game. De Bruyne made sporadic appearances through City's struggles - but on Wednesday (December 4) he was back in the starting side.
And in the opening 30 minutes, De Bruyne netted a goal and registered an assist as City's slickers regained their strut. Fans on social media were over the moon to see him back in the starting side - and some labelled him as the greatest Premier League player ever.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Liverpool boss Arne Slot's '115 charges' joke
READ MORE: Guardiola hits back at Neville and Carragher over De Bruyne 'issue' claims
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"I really don't care whose name you throw at me, Kevin De Bruyne is the very best midfielder ever for me," one fan said. While a second shared: "De Bruyne is honestly one of the greatest midfielders of all time."
"De Bruyne starts, your team wins. Pretty simple concept. Still the best player in the world when fit," a third posted. And another added: "Kevin de Bruyne makes the best team in the world, the best team in the world. Who would’ve thought that?"
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne smashed the ball into the back of the net
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Speaking ahead of the game, Guardiola denied there was a rift between the pair: "People say I’ve got a problem with Kevin," he said. "Do you think I like to not play with Kevin? I don’t want Kevin to play?
"The guy who has the most talent in the final third. I don’t want it? I have a personal problem with him after nine years together? He’s delivered to me the biggest success to this club. I’m desperate to have his best.
"But he’s been five months injured and two months injured. He’s 33 years old. He needs time to find his best."