Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola was overjoyed at the return of Kevin de Bruyne as the Belgian made his first Premier League start since August.
De Bruyne played about 75 minutes in City’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Wednesday.
When he came off the field to be replaced by Rico Lewis, manager Guardiola gave De Bruyne a massive embrace before the midfielder took his place on the City bench.
With recent suggestions in the media of tension between the pair, this was a strong indication that any issues were either non-existent or had been thoroughly resolved.
Few players in the world can deliver performances like De Bruyne, something Guardiola knows all too well.
Pep Guardiola Delighted By De Bruyne Return
Marking his return with a goal and an assist, Kevin de Bruyne reminded everyone just how important he is for City.
His header teed up Bernardo Silva’s opener, before scoring himself to set his team on course for a crucial victory.
After earning himself man-of-the-match, De Bruyne was subbed off, having done his job to perfection.
And few in the stadium were more pleased than the City manager.
Guardiola said: “I am so happy he is back.
“He played 75 fantastic minutes.
“He deserves the best because he’s a lovely guy and has been massively important for so many years since he arrived.”
Manchester City’s Unbeaten Run With De Bruyne Continues
City haven’t lost with Kevin de Bruyne starting in their last 31 Premier League games.
With the 33-year-old getting back to fitness, he is hoping to stay healthy and get a consistent run in the team again.
He said: “There have never been issues between me and Pep. He knows I’ve been struggling. It’s painful and uncomfortable.
“Hopefully I can get back to my body with not much pain and then I’ll be fine.”
But Pep made it clear De Bruyne needs to show he can stay fit for extended periods.
The manager added: “He fought a lot and he prepared himself.
“He is back to his physicality. The minutes he played at Anfield were really good.
“Last season he was out for many months, this season as well. We will see how he recovers after a long time injured and how he feels in three days.”
Pundits Praise ‘Integral’ De Bruyne
Pep Guardiola wasn’t the only one sining De Bruyne’s praises after his excellent performance in midweek.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said on BBC Match of the Day: “He is a top-quality player and one of the best we have seen. He always manages to find space on the pitch.”
And ex-City manager Stuart Pearce told Amazon Prime: “De Bruyne has been integral to Man City’s success over a number of years.
“He is the go-to player that sets Erling Haaland alight with his passing. He creates goals, he scores goals.
“If you were to pick one player out over the last eight or nine years De Bruyne would be at the top of almost everyone’s list.”
