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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Charlotte Coates

Jamie Carragher says Kevin de Bruyne is 'still waiting' for Steven Gerrard moment

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has placed Kevin De Bruyne alongside Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane in the Premier League's greatest ever midfield.

But Carragher believes De Bruyne needs a moment like Gerrard in Istanbul and Keane's performance for Manchester United in their win over Juventus in the Champions League in 1999 to be named the greatest.

The Manchester City midfielder is currently considered the very best the Premier League has to offer as De Bruyne gears up to take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League.

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Carragher said in his latest column for the Telegraph ahead of Liverpool vs City on Sunday: "If I was to choose an all-time Premier League XI, De Bruyne and Gerrard would be in my midfield alongside Keane.

"Where they differ is that Gerrard’s career is celebrated for iconic moments in Europe, none more so than the Champions League final in Istanbul. Keane’s blockbuster performance - the one for which he is most remembered - was for Manchester United in their famous win in Juventus in 1999.

"De Bruyne is still waiting for the same career-defining night in the biggest club competition. Once he has that, all bets are off about whether he tops the list.

"His place in Manchester City history and in the Premier League Hall of Fame is secure. The argument that he is already the best there has ever been based solely on domestic performance is compelling."

The Sky Sports pundit believes De Bruyne is the player Jurgen Klopp wishes he had in his Liverpool side above any other player City have had.

"When Jurgen Klopp prepared for games against City over the last five seasons, you can be certain De Bruyne is the player he wishes he had at Anfield.," Klopp added.

"In those seasons where both sides collected over 90 points, De Bruyne was the only difference between Manchester City’s and Liverpool’s starting XI.

"Throughout the period in which Liverpool and City have gone head-to-head, it is the presence of De Bruyne which consistently dragged City across the line when the title race went to the final minute - his ability to pick the right pass at the right moment creating a sense of inevitability City will find a winning goal. Look at his pinpoint ball for Ilkay Gundogen against Aston Villa last May - an assist in the latter stages of a game which ultimately won the Premier League for his club."

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