18 January 2024 , 17:40
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Cesc Fabregas believes that Kevin de Bruyne will be like a new signing for Manchester City after making a long-awaited return from injury.
De Bruyne had been ruled out since the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal with a hamstring problem, missing the first-half of the season. But he was back on the pitch last weekend, playing a pivotal role in the win over Newcastle.
City will now be hoping De Bruyne continues to work his way back to full health as they look to catch up to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. Fabregas certainly believes that De Bruyne can make an important impact.
The former World Cup winner has tipped the Belgian to be like a 'kid with new boots'. He did warn Guardiola to not rush his star midfielder back before he is ready though, following his lengthy lay-off.
"Kevin now at the moment is like a little boy with new boots, with a new kit when your parents used to give it to you. He's excited, he's alive, he played for 20 minutes, he comes with a lot of hunger," Fabregas told Radio 5 Live.
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"Now, how is he going to get on when he starts plying 90 minutes and 90 minutes nd 90 minutes. This is the only thing that they have to manage. They are very lucky that they are in a squad that there is no pressure.
"They've done really well without him this season, they are in a top position in every single competition they are in. So I think they will manage them slowly, especially Kevin and he'll be back.
De Bruyne returned from injury to play a crucial role in the win over Newcastle (AFP via Getty Images)"I know him, the way he plays, that physicality, that stride when he has the ball and he starts running. But also he's one of these players who can adapt in the future. When he starts losing his physicality and speed, he will be able to play in midfield I have no doubt."
Guardiola is fully aware of how important De Bruyne is going to be to City's title challenge. The Spaniard hailed him as a "legend" after his goal and assist in the crucial win over Newcastle last week.
“Kevin is a legend. He is loved by our people and, hopefully, in the last months he can help us be there to the end. We need players like Kevin. We need him to do something special in the final third," Guardiola said.
"That is not tactical ability but talent, individual talent. I think everybody agrees we made a really good performance today against such a physical team in Newcastle. They made good transitions and, after taking the lead [through Bernardo Silva], we conceded two goals.
"But after that talent made the difference. At half‑time I told the players: ‘You are amazing, stick together and we will do it.’ It was really important to win because Liverpool are flying and we have to go to Anfield so it’s better to be close the them.”