Kevin De Bruyne sees passes that other players do not know exist. The Belgian has been the creative engine of Manchester City's run at the top, supplying goals with through balls, crosses and the odd pass that looks as if it was plotted by satellite navigation.
Is he the best passer in modern football?
The case is strong. His passing accuracy and vision rate among the best in Premier League history, and his assist returns at City have been consistently high, with 15 or more a season the norm.
The medals:
- Six Premier League titles with Manchester City, part of the most dominant run English football has known
- The Champions League in 2023, which completed the treble
- Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year in 2020 and 2021, the first Belgian to win it, and then he won it again
He also shoots well enough to settle matches on his own, and he controls big games in a way few midfielders can. Opponents who leave him a yard usually regret it within the hour.
Right now he is the best creative midfielder in the world. Some would go further and call him the best the Premier League has had.
Tomorrow: number 17.
