Kevin De Bruyne, one of the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen, is set to bid farewell to Manchester City at the end of the current season. After ten years of incredible performances, numerous titles, and unrelenting dominance, the Belgium maestro has announced that he will hang up his boots, marking the end of an era for both the player and the club. Over his career at Manchester City, De Bruyne has accumulated an impressive list of trophies: six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, five League Cups, one UEFA Champions League title, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, and three Community Shields. His contribution to Manchester City’s success under Pep Guardiola has been immense, and his departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill.
De Bruyne’s legacy in the Premier League is unmatched. His ability to create chances, deliver assists, and score crucial goals has elevated him to the status of one of the best in the league’s history. His vision, passing, and technical skills are legendary, and he has set a benchmark for future midfielders to aspire to. In terms of assists, De Bruyne stands out as the Premier League’s all-time assist king. With 118 assists in 280 appearances, his rate of 0.42 assists per game is far superior to other legendary midfielders in the league. For comparison, Frank Lampard, who is considered one of the greatest English midfielders, managed 102 assists in 609 games, averaging just 0.17 per game. Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, two other midfield giants, are also behind De Bruyne in this category, with 92 and 55 assists, respectively.
But while De Bruyne’s playmaking abilities are second to none, his goal-scoring record is also impressive. Lampard may have been the top goal scorer among midfielders, with 177 goals in 609 appearances, but De Bruyne has consistently outperformed many of his peers in terms of goals per game. De Bruyne scored 70 goals in 280 games, averaging 0.25 goals per game, which is higher than Scholes (0.21 goals per game) and Gerrard (0.24 goals per game). Although Lampard’s tally of 177 goals is difficult to surpass, De Bruyne’s goal-scoring ability should not be underestimated, as he has contributed significantly to Manchester City’s success over the years.
One area where De Bruyne still lags behind Lampard, however, is in terms of trophies. While De Bruyne’s trophy haul is undoubtedly impressive, Lampard’s 11 Premier League titles and his consistent success at Chelsea place him in a league of his own in terms of individual achievements. Scholes, too, amassed 11 Premier League titles with Manchester United, cementing his place in football history. De Bruyne, in contrast, will end his career with six Premier League titles, but given that he achieved this in less than 300 appearances, his rate of success is remarkable.
However, when considering the impact of these players, it’s clear that De Bruyne is in a class of his own. De Bruyne’s ability to influence games and make crucial contributions at key moments has set him apart. His 754 chances created since joining Manchester City in 2015 is a testament to his exceptional vision and playmaking abilities. While Gerrard had a similar impact at Liverpool, leading them to a Champions League title in 2005 and coming close to ending their long Premier League drought in the 2013-2014 season, De Bruyne’s consistency in delivering for Manchester City in every competition has been extraordinary. He has been the driving force behind City’s dominance in English football, regularly contributing goals and assists in pivotal matches.
Another area where De Bruyne excels is his versatility. He has adapted to various positions in Manchester City’s midfield, consistently performing at a high level regardless of the tactical system in place. Whether playing as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or even as a winger, De Bruyne has been the linchpin for Guardiola’s system. His ability to control the tempo of the game, deliver precise passes, and break down opposition defences has been a key factor in Manchester City’s success. This adaptability and his all-around game set him apart from the other great midfielders in the Premier League.
When comparing De Bruyne to other Premier League legends like Scholes, Gerrard, and Lampard, it’s important to consider the different styles of play these players embodied. Scholes was known for his passing and vision, often dictating the pace of the game for Manchester United. His contributions were not always flashy, but his impact was undeniable. Lampard, on the other hand, was a goal-scoring machine, arriving late in the box and finding the back of the net with remarkable consistency. Gerrard was a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder, capable of producing moments of magic from deep in midfield. His leadership and ability to drive Liverpool forward made him one of the most influential players of his generation.
De Bruyne, however, is a combination of all these attributes. He possesses Scholes’ passing range, Lampard’s ability to score goals, and Gerrard’s drive and leadership. But what truly sets him apart is his consistency and his ability to perform on the biggest stage. He has been instrumental in Manchester City’s rise to prominence in English football, and his performances in the Champions League, particularly in City’s victorious 2020-2021 campaign, solidified his place among the greats.
In terms of the overall impact on the Premier League, it is hard to argue against De Bruyne being the greatest midfielder of all time. His numbers speak for themselves, and his influence on Manchester City’s success cannot be overstated. While Lampard’s goal-scoring record and Scholes’ trophy haul are exceptional, De Bruyne’s combination of playmaking ability, goal-scoring prowess, and consistency in top-level competition makes him the complete package.
As De Bruyne prepares to leave Manchester City, his legacy will be remembered for years to come. His contributions to the club’s success are immeasurable, and his influence on the Premier League will not be forgotten. While there may be debates about who the greatest midfielder in Premier League history is, Kevin De Bruyne’s case is undeniably strong. His ability to create, score, and lead Manchester City to glory has set him apart as one of the best to ever grace the Premier League. As the season comes to a close, football fans around the world will reflect on the incredible career of Kevin De Bruyne and the impact he has had on the game.
