Kyle Walker claims Kevin De Bruyne is ‘on the same level’ as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Kyle Walker compares Kevin De Bruyne to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in a recent FIFPRO interview.

Kyle Walker claims Kevin De Bruyne is ‘on the same level’ as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

Kyle Walker put Kevin De Bruyne in the same bracket as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (Via X/@raing_bet, Cristiano & goal)

Manchester City lifted the treble last season as Pep Guardiola‘s side attained the all-elusive Champions League trophy. Following the landmark season, six of the club’s players were named in the FIFA FIFPRO World 11. During Monday night’s ceremony in Paris, Manchester City captain Kyle Walker gave the utmost praise to City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

Speaking in an interview for FIFPRO, the Manchester City right-back compared the Belgian to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Ruben Dias also pitched in, saying that he takes the City team to a different level when on the pitch. The Belgian very recently returned from injury against Newcastle, and had an instant impact, by inspiring a comeback win.

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Very few players, the likes of Messi and Ronaldo go into the bracket of Kevin. He gives you a lift with his energy and excitement. That's the best form of Kevin.
Said Walker (H&T: Sportsbible)

He also praised the midfielder for his ability to see and play passes that aren’t possible for the average footballer. City defender Ruben Dias also praised the midfielder, stating, “I’m privileged to be on the same team as him“. The #17 was also part of the FIFPRO World 11.

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Kevin De Bruyne is NOT the best midfielder ever, says Chris Sutton

While Kevin De Bruyne‘s legacy in the Premier League certainly warrants a claim as one of, if not the best midfielder in the history of the competition. While several fans do believe that the Belgian is the best ever, former footballer and pundit Chris Sutton believes otherwise. Appearing on ‘It’s All Kicking Off”, the former Aston Villa man claimed that he is not the best ever midfielder in the league.

Kevin De Bruyne and Paul Scholes
Chris Sutton rates Paul Scholes over Kevin De Bruyne (Via X/@rating_bet & BBC)

Kevin De Bruyne boasts one of the most impressive CV’s in the league, with 5 Premier Leagues and League Cups, a Champions League, and two FA Cups to his name. However, Sutton remained unconvinced as he named his top 5 midfielders to grace the league. Starting at 5, he named Patrick Vieira and Frank Lampard at fifth and fourth respectively. Kevin De Bruyne came in at third, with the Belgian followed by two legendary Manchester United players.

According to Sutton, Roy Keane ranks above the City at #17, with Paul Scholes coming in at number 1. His stellar 20-year career still remains to be matched by a modern-era player like Kevin De Bruyne. As for the Belgian himself, his return from injury will come as a significant boost to Pep Guardiola’s side in the title race. They are currently second and within touching distance of rivals Liverpool, who have a two-point lead at the top.

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