Is Kevin De Bruyne the Greatest Player the Premier League has seen?
The Premier League, boasting a rich history spanning over three decades, has witnessed countless footballing giants grace its pitches. From the ferocious pace of Thierry Henry to the steely leadership of Roy Keane, each season throws up new candidates for the "best" title. But with his recent resurgence and ever-growing influence, Kevin De Bruyne's name is increasingly finding its way into this prestigious conversation.
The Case for De Bruyne:
Unrivalled Creative Genius: De Bruyne's vision, passing range, and pinpoint accuracy are second to none. He consistently unlocks defences with killer passes, creating goalscoring opportunities for his teammates like an orchestra conductor leads his musicians. Statistics don't lie—he holds the record for most assists (20) in a single Premier League season (2019–20) and ranks consistently among the league's best in key passes and chances created.
Elite Midfield Mastery: His influence extends far beyond assists. He controls the tempo of the game, dictating the flow of play with his intelligent movement and precise touch. His ability to switch plays, win tackles, and drive forward with purpose makes him a complete midfielder, excelling in both attacking and defensive aspects.
Trophy Haul and Individual Accolades: De Bruyne's impact translates to success. He has lifted the Premier League trophy four times with Manchester City, contributing significantly to their dominance. He's also been recognized individually, winning the Player of the Season award twice and securing a plethora of other accolades. He has also been a key figure in their first-ever European triumph in 22/23 as well as winning the treble, which has only happened for the second time since Manchester United in 1999. His contributions have certainly led to historical accolades that only happen once in a blue moon...
Longevity and Consistency: Unlike some stars known for sporadic brilliance, De Bruyne has maintained phenomenal consistency throughout his Premier League career. He's shown incredible dedication and resilience, overcoming injuries to return stronger and continue performing at the highest level.
The Comparisons:
The Legendary Midfielders: De Bruyne is inevitably compared to midfield greats like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Paul Scholes. Each possessed unique strengths: Gerrard's leadership and long-range shooting, Lampard's goalscoring prowess, and Scholes's passing mastery. While De Bruyne might not boast individual statistics as remarkable as theirs in certain areas, his all-around influence and consistency in a more competitive era arguably even the playing field. Of course, Roy Keane was a largely defensive midfielder; hence, goals and assists weren't his exact cup of tea. However, he has been regarded as one of the best captains of the league, with his trophy haul up there with one of the greatest collections, in which he was no passenger but one of the front-runners. And finally, Cristiano Ronaldo, in his early United spell was a midfielder who transcended the norm. 42 goals in a single season as a midfielder, winning the Golden Boot, the Ballon d'or, the Premier League, the Champions League, and the PFA Player of the Year (many other individual awards too).
The Modern Masters: Comparisons with present-day stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk are also inevitable. Their brilliance and impact are undeniable. However, De Bruyne's creative influence on the entire team's performance sets him apart, making him a more complete footballer in some ways.
The Counterpoints:
Lack of Ballon d'Or: Some argue that the absence of a prestigious individual award like the Ballon d'Or weakens his claim. However, it's worth noting that the award's criteria favor goalscorers and attackers, potentially overlooking the crucial but less quantifiable contributions of a creative midfielder like De Bruyne.
Team Reliance: City's system is undoubtedly built around De Bruyne's strengths. This could lead some to argue that his brilliance is amplified by the team's structure, rather than being solely individual brilliance. However, his ability to thrive and elevate his teammates within that system showcases his leadership and adaptability.
The Legendary Winners: While De Bruyne excels in midfield, comparisons with Premier League legends like Thierry Henry and Cristiano Ronaldo are inevitable. Their goalscoring exploits and individual brilliance on the pitch were unmatched, etching their names in the league's history books. While De Bruyne's influence extends beyond goals, their sheer impact in terms of individual trophies and match-winning moments presents a strong counterpoint.
Henry, with his electrifying pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing, terrorized Premier League defences for years, winning two golden boots and leading Arsenal to an invincible season. His ability to single-handedly change the course of a game with a moment of magic is undeniable.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, needs no introduction. His relentless pursuit of goals, combined with his exceptional skills and athleticism, saw him conquer the Premier League with Manchester United, shattering numerous records and claiming individual accolades galore. His ability to rise to the occasion and deliver on the biggest stages makes him a formidable contender for the "best" title.
It's important to acknowledge the unique strengths and contributions of each player while recognizing that direct comparisons across different positions and eras are inherently challenging. Ultimately, De Bruyne's place in the Premier League pantheon will continue to be debated, but his undeniable talent, influence, and consistency make him a strong contender for one of the top spots.
