Reporter Joe Thomlinson was impressed with Kevin De Bruyne’s performance for Manchester City during their 5-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday, calling him a “joke of a player”.
De Bruyne was in fine form for the Citizens, who beat the Magpies thanks to a brace from Raheem Sterling and further goals from Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and Phil Foden. The £81m-valued Belgium international provided an assist, made six key passes and created three big chances in another exemplary display.
Writing on Twitter, Thomlinson was quick to praise the 30-year-old, saying, “De Bruyne on absolute smoke tonight. What a joke of a player.”
TIF Thoughts on De Bruyne
What can be said about De Bruyne that isn’t already out in the public domain? The former Wolfsburg man is the key player in Pep Guardiola’s side, and has 15 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this term. Take him out of the starting XI, and City are automatically a far worse team.
Will City win the league?
Yes
No
Unfortunately, he was unable to produce his best against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final second leg in midweek, but that really should not have impacted the result – City appeared to be in an unassailable position heading into the final minute and somehow threw it away. The Premier League would be a pretty good consolation prize, though, and if De Bruyne continues from where he left off against Newcastle, the title will surely be going to the Etihad Stadium.