17 | Kevin De Bruyne - 2024/25

[LTW]

He was always going to age badly - he’s always been a sloppy, high risk/reward player who’s numbers were dependent on sheer volume and intensity.

He’s not a David Silva, Modric type who’s technically phenomenal and can control a game at a walking pace. Last summer with a fee would have made business sense, but at least he’s got the romantic decade to finish on.

 

[Franny 1234]

Admittedly his Very high standard of passes isn't what it used to be.
Bit his desire and winning mentality was clear to see today.
Long live the KING.

 

[The Fat el Hombre]

It's done. He was falling all over the shop. His body is shot

The greatest player I've ever seen in blue but there's no way we can do another season of this.

Put your feet up king kev. Treble, 4 peat, domestic quad, a whole plethora of individual awards... the jewel in our crown

Probably the best midfielder the prems ever seen. No need to ruin it now. Bow out with grace

 

[kippaxkid74]

Aging is a cruel thing.

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Seen that pic going round on Twitter and it's totally airbrushed - almost AI smooth! Kevin was never that smoothed skin in 2015 ;)

not that he hasn't aged, but he had creased skin even then!
But wow from the off what a player, mum loved him right away (as did i), will be a sad day when he goes as every time he plays it makes me feel mum is still sat in her seat next to me... She'd be 82 next week :(

But long reign KDB

 

[Delphinho]

read all about it tomorrow

Doubt it

 

[uwerosler28]

Media reports today he is staying on a reduced contract and a smaller role in the squad, not sure how I feel about that to be honest.

 

[Keeper!]

Media reports today he is staying on a reduced contract and a smaller role in the squad, not sure how I feel about that to be honest.

I think he knows he would even struggle to play for 90 mins in the MLS.

For me it's time to say thank you and goodbye, even on 150k a week not sure he is worth it for a few small substitute cameo's.

And is he a good role model off the pitch for the young players? That's not a criticism , he just comes over as a bit insular, for me Gundo/Bernardo would be better for that role.

 

[heslops barnet]

It's done. He was falling all over the shop. His body is shot

The greatest player I've ever seen in blue but there's no way we can do another season of this.

Put your feet up king kev. Treble, 4 peat, domestic quad, a whole plethora of individual awards... the jewel in our crown

Probably the best midfielder the prems ever seen. No need to ruin it now. Bow out with grace

Sad to see the decline in one of the best players ever to grace the Etihad……

Needs to take his young family over to MLS and enjoy what’s left of his playing career, he’s won everything with us….and will always be revered by us fans

 

[heslops barnet]

Media reports today he is staying on a reduced contract and a smaller role in the squad, not sure how I feel about that to be honest.

Sentimentality has no part to play in todays game……see Gundogs decline, maybe a coaching role for him but don’t think that’s gingers forte

 

[Kinkybyname]

Doubt it

 

[Kinkybyname]

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[heslops barnet]

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Sorry to say, I hope not

 

[simon23]

Sorry to say, I hope not

Im with you on that

His physical struggles are there for all to see - even against Plymouth he cant burst past players anymore, he had a poor first half as his passing was way off as he is trying to make passes he normally wouldnt as his body wont get him into the positions to make the correct pass. His movement are awkward when running - he doesnt want to stretch to get the ball (his hamstrings are clearly fucked)......against any decent opposition he is weakening the team

 

[tackeds]

I’m a bit sentimental about the king but I’m happy for him to stay. As long as everyone is clear what he can and can’t do for us, he’s still got a lot to offer. We can’t be playing him 3x a week or expecting the Kev of 5 years ago but having him on the bench is a massive advantage in my eyes. Aslong as he’s happy with it I am.

 

[Eric Hitchmough]

Sorry to say, I hope not

Same. He’s arguably our best ever, but these decisions cannot be based on sentiment.

 

[urban genie]

First half and parts of the 2nd I thought he wasn't in the game at all, but 2 assists amd a goal, shows why he is still a top player.

but not as a starter imho, if he wants another 12 months he deserves it, but as an impact sub and leader in the dressing room with the young squad we will have

I hope he and gundo stick around in some coching capapcity within the club tbh

 

[Delphinho]

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Fair enough to you, sounds like you were right. Not so sure how I feel about this. Probably the best City player of all time, but I hope he doesn’t have a Yaya/Gundo esque final season where he just falls off a cliff in terms of performances. If we can’t get Wirtz I think the smartest choice could be to wait for Echeverri, and it would make perfect sense to keep KDB around in a Modric type of role as a sub/squad player to mentor Echeverri who will probably need some time to fit in. Personally I would love to see Bobb in a 10 role as well, I think some of KDBs best replacements is in the squad already

 

[simon23]

I’m a bit sentimental about the king but I’m happy for him to stay. As long as everyone is clear what he can and can’t do for us, he’s still got a lot to offer. We can’t be playing him 3x a week or expecting the Kev of 5 years ago but having him on the bench is a massive advantage in my eyes. Aslong as he’s happy with it I am.

I keep seeing this line about still having a lot to offer....Has he? - not on the pitch he hasnt and Im not sure off the pitch he has either- he has always come across as quite quiet, even insular (which aint a criticism) - but he aint a Vincent Kompany who motivates by pure presence in and around the training facilities - far from it

 

[AshtonBlueMooner]

I watched him closely from the stands yesterday for a 5 minute period. It was really quite sad to watch. He was a yard short of the positions he needed to be, there was no burst of speed when moving with the ball and he was trying to force passes that he would have made comfortably 2 or 3 seasons ago. He has worked his body to the absolute maximum for us and he just can’t do the things his brain wants him to do.
That said, his quality from set plays is still amongst the best, hence his assists and he grabbed a goal that most number 10’s would be happy to accept.
Probably some sentiment in my opinion, but I would keep him as a squad player. Play him against the lesser teams, early rounds of League and FA Cup and have him as mentor to our younger players, a sort of player coach role.
There is still a role for him within the club and I’m impressed, if the rumours are true, that he’s willing to take a pay cut and reduced playing time when it would have been easier for him to take a huge salary in a lesser league.
Keep going King Kev the legend.

 

[Roachy]

Said it the other day somewhere. The problem with Kev staying is the loss of a squad place to someone who will probably do better. Age has caught up.