17 | Kevin De Bruyne - 2023/24

[balotelli's back pocket]

Wish he'd have retired from Belgium. He could do with the rest.

 

[Blu1]

We have a big decision with Kev

He can’t play many games any more & he looks fooked this season

He was playing at 20% today

Strange but when your legs go they go

 

[bluemoon32]

Sadly, i think he's done as a guaranteed starter & our talisman.
Sad but it is what it is, he's been absolutely wonderful for us

 

[sh249]

Of course, they matter, but I can look past a stat sheet and at a performance as a whole. Maybe that's a bit too much for your pee-sized brain to do.

No need to take the piss.

 

[RayCTID]

Said this in the match thread but this is probably start of his decline. Still can't rush in finding an replacement as this has to be an epic signing.

 

[Txiki Txiki Bang Bang]

Said this in the match thread but this is probably start of his decline. Still can't rush in finding an replacement as this has to be an epic signing.

Wirtz maybe? Tbh I don't see it but who knows

 

[RayCTID]

Wirtz maybe? Tbh I don't see it but who knows

Possible but no chance this summer.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

Every good thing comes to an end , not writing Kev off but he is in decline , he cannot do it week in/ week out probably still a 20 to 30 game a season player but Phil has to pick up the mantle and be the main man for the next decade.

 

[richards30]

Said this in the match thread but this is probably start of his decline. Still can't rush in finding an replacement as this has to be an epic signing.

If the Saudi bid comes in for Kev for £100m plus then we should take it and go straight to Bayern for Musiala. Even €150m if required and get him

 

[RayCTID]

If the Saudi bid comes in for Kev for £100m plus then we should take it and go straight to Bayern for Musiala. Even €150m if required and get him

I see Kev more in the MLS to be honest. I wouldn't mind him sticking around for one more season and then move on.

 

[Damien10]

Did he make a successful pass. Early in the second half when him and Foden ran into each other summed it up.

We have always seemed to cope well without him. So the day he leaves will be sad because he’s been such a fantastic player however I don’t think it will effect us in terms of success.

 

[blueparrot]

If the Saudi bid comes in for Kev for £100m plus then we should take it and go straight to Bayern for Musiala. Even €150m if required and get him

Doubt we’d take it unless he asked us to. Besides when he goes it will be Foden that replaces him, granted we will need another player too for the squad. but it won’t be a €150 mill player.Todays result changes nothing and won’t change our planning, I expect 3 or 4 out 3 or 4 in.

 

[Mike N]

Shame on him for smiling , he was probably reacting to somebody speaking to him , ffs

Jacko seems like a proper knob!

 

[cookster]

Did he make a successful pass. Early in the second half when him and Foden ran into each other summed it up.

We have always seemed to cope well without him. So the day he leaves will be sad because he’s been such a fantastic player however I don’t think it will effect us in terms of success.

Made an amazing pass to Foden first half, sending him clear of the defender.
Phil then checked and went backwards rather than take on the defender.

 

[Kadour75]

As a great player as he has been, we have always coped without him and sometimes looked better during his absence. Today was another example.

 

[Dazzle84]

The major concern today and recently has been how peripheral he's been. He's always had the odd stinker when nothing comes off, but he's been anonymous of late

 

[uwerosler28]

I think the big issue is Peps new tactics of Gvardiol and Silva wide with KDB and Phoden central , they are too similar and take up the same position all the time. A choice needs to be made of who is first choice.

 

[Dazzle84]

The major concern today and recently has been how peripheral he's been. He's always had the odd stinker when nothing comes off, but he's been anonymous of late

And to add to this - I'm fully aware he's still been getting assists which is clearly something we need to consider. I still think the impact sub role could been amazing with him - basically that Newcastle game on repeat

 

[hilts]

Great managers know when great players have become a liability

 

[Gabriel]

I think the big issue is Peps new tactics of Gvardiol and Sikva wide with KDB and Phiden central , they are too similar and take up the same position all the time. A choice needs to be made of who is first choice.

Would agree with that. They’re also risk takers, therefore much more prone to losing possession, as indeed is Haaland, so when all three play it increases the likelihood of the ball being turned over, especially when we’re playing with no natural width and everything is funnelled through the middle.