Kevin De Bruyne must be an inspiration to any creative player coming through the ranks at Manchester City.
De Bruyne is considered Manchester City’s greatest-ever player and with how he has spearheaded the Sky Blues’ success for over a decade, it is difficult not for any youngster in City’s academy not to bow down to the Belgian’s greatness.
How Kevin De Bruyne became a megastar at the Etihad Stadium is especially inspirational as well for any young player — witnessing him take the bold decision of leaving Chelsea, making his name at VFL Wolfsburg and returning to the Premier League to dominate in a way only other legends like Thierry Henry, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mohamed Salah and Eden Hazard have.
For Manchester City, their dream scenario would be to find a successor to the midfield maestro.
De Bruyne wishes to stay at Manchester City but at 33, he is on his last legs.
Thankfully for City, Phil Foden could step into the role and so could youngsters like Divine Mukasa and Finley Gorman.
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images
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Divine Mukasa says he’s “similar” to Kevin De Bruyne
Mukasa, in particular is making waves for Manchester City at youth level.
The 17-year-old, who is also an attacking midfielder by trade has an exceptional range of passing, quick feet and sublime technique — reminiscent of a young De Bruyne.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Mukasa named De Bruyne and Zinedine Zidane as his idols but notably, claimed that he is similar to the six-time Premier League winner as a player.
[De Bruyne] is similar in terms of always looking to create and score goals. From the times I’ve trained with them, I’ve tried to pick up as much as I can from the way he behaves, he gives everything every day.”
Mukasa also revealed that it is privilege to train alongside De Bruyne and in the senior Manchester City side.
Goal from the centre circle 🤯
Divine Mukasa with an instant reaction to extend City's lead to 5-1 against Newcastle in the #PLU18!
Catch the rest of the match live on CITY+ ⤵️
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 30, 2024
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“He’s a good person to look up to. It’s a privilege really [to train with the first team]. They are the best team in the world with the best players in the world, I’m really grateful to be around it. Everything we do in the academy is based on the first team, that’s how you build a pathway for the players and make sure if we do ever get the chance to go up there then we’re ready.”
Divine Mukasa stats compared to De Bruyne at 17
Mukasa, much like De Bruyne was considered one of his nation’s best young talents.
While the latter went on to become one of the greatest midfielders of all time, the Englishman is actually far more developed than the legendary creator was at 17.
STATS AT 17 YEARS OLD KEVIN DE BRUYNE DIVINE MUKASA
APPEARANCES 2 31
GOALS – 14
ASSISTS – 24
Mukasa has 14 goals and 24 assists across different age groups for Manchester City but at the same age, De Bruyne was playing senior football for Genk. If the former can become even half the player De Bruyne has become, Manchester City might have a potential star in the making already.