Kevin De Bruyne has sent a warning to Leeds United ahead of Manchester City's trip to Elland Road on Wednesday having returned from the World Cup in 'outstanding' form, according to Pep Guardiola. De Bruyne registered two assists for City as they defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the Carabao Cup last-16 on Thursday; their first game since the resumption of the domestic season.
The 31-year-old was heavily criticised for his performances during the World Cup, as he and his Belgium teammates were surprisingly eliminated in the group stages. And De Bruyne has clearly felt he has a point to prove following his disappointing performances in Qatar, taking just 10 minutes to rekindle his partnership with Erling Haaland.
Time after time against Liverpool he was finding his teammates in space inside the area with world class deliveries, and he also picked out Nathan Ake to head home the winner. Leeds will have to be on red alert his defending crosses from wide areas against City, something which has been a major weakness so far this season.
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Speaking after the win over Jurgen Klopp's side, Guardiola claimed that De Bruyne has been superb from the second he returned to training with City, and believes the frustration of the World Cup will spur him on for the remainder of the campaign.
Via MEN, he said: "He arrived, the first training session he was back I was not here but I was told it was brilliant, the game against Girona was brilliant and today he was outstanding.
"Kevin has had eight years here, you know him like me, he just has to find the right fire inside of himself, just to be a little bit, I would say grumpy or upset to play his best. That is his energy inside of him. When this happens, what a player, run, fight, assist, score a goal, he is more than a player.
"I know it is not easy to find every three days this consistency but today he has something inside that says I am going to it, I want to fight. When this happens it is Mr Kevin De Bruyne, what can I say, eight years he has done everything for this club, an absolute legend, he will be remembered forever as one of the greatest, greatest, greatest players of this club."
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