It's a weird one. 12 assists, 4 goals. Statistically still by far one of the best players in this league and probably the Prem's top match-winner. If you didn't watch City games, you could be forgiven for wondering what on Earth we're all talking about when we criticise him.
And yet, he's just not quite been the Kev we know and love. Sloppy passes, wayward shooting, a general malaise about some of his play.
I can't blame him for it, as it's quite clear he's being overplayed. The talent and vision are still there, and you can see that same desire to create and make things happen almost every time he plays, but the body can't keep up like it once did.
It's a harsh reality and something we've gotten used to seeing with some of our biggest stars of the last few years as they approach the latter stages of their careers.
Yet, at the same time, you only have to look to Madrid and see a guy like Modric still running games and winning Champions Leagues despite pushing 40. Of course, they're very different players, but it's just an example that a few extra years on the clock and a little less pace doesn't necessarily mean that a player is done and dusted.
Kev CAN still be a big part of this side for a good while, but he needs to be managed more effectively, and we have to give him some support. Sadly, that's not coming until the summer. Until then, we'll seemingly have to get used to seeing these somewhat tepid performances interspersed with his usual moments of magic. Maybe Pep might try something different, like dropping Grealish into that creator role and giving Kev a little respite, but it doesn't look too likely.
Still absolutely adore this player and it's tough to see him struggle. And that's why, for me, our priority in the summer should be finding a midfielder who can provide some serious assists. We need another spark to do at least some of what Kev does, so he doesn't constantly have to feel like that match-winning weight is always on his shoulders. If he can start playing a little less next season and have a lighter burden, I'm sure we can see him perhaps not "back to his best" but definitely more comfortable on the pitch.
