Pundit can’t believe what people are saying about Kevin De Bruyne amid ‘big’ Man City claim
Frank McAvennie has insisted Man City boss Pep Guardiola will not be “worried” about Kevin De Bruyne.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former West Ham striker suggested that because De Bruyne’s level is “so high” he is more susceptible to criticism for not reaching that level.
The 31-year-old was an unused substitute in City’s 4-2 victory over Tottenham on 19 January.
As quoted by the Manchester Evening News (23 January), Guardiola said that the Belgian sometimes “struggles” in certain playing situations and insisted there is “big competition” within the squad.
The manager has hinted in the past that he is not afraid to drop De Bruyne if the tactics demand it.
The midfielder has started all but one Premier League game for the Sky Blues this season and has scored three goals and provided 12 assists.
The Belgium international was in the starting lineup for City’s 1-0 FA Cup win over Arsenal on Friday (27 January).
McAvennie insisted criticism of the playmaker is unjustified.
“De Bruyne is still creating chances for Haaland,” he told Football Insider.
“I would not worry too much about De Bruyne. We say bad games but to anyone else it would be a great game.
“De Bruyne’s level is so high that when he comes down to the mere mortals like us, everyone says it is a bad game for him.
“I would not worry and I do not think Pep will be either.“
In other news, Man City could beat Liverpool to Jude Bellingham signing after talks update – ‘there’s a real chance’, says pundit.