Kevin De Bruyne’s likely departure from Manchester City this summer has ignited a heated discussion regarding his legacy as a midfielder in the Premier League. While his abilities, especially his exceptional passing range, are undeniable, it is premature to label him the greatest of all time. De Bruyne has limitations, particularly in terms of his speed and agility, which are often questioned. Furthermore, his impact has sometimes been overshadowed by his teammate David Silva, who has displayed a higher level of finesse and elegance on the pitch, qualities that De Bruyne has yet to fully replicate.
In addition to these concerns, De Bruyne’s defensive contributions leave much to be desired. He is rarely seen tracking back or providing defensive cover, a trait that has drawn comparisons to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s own defensive lapses. Moreover, his goal-scoring record does not match expectations given his frequent positioning in and around the opponent’s penalty area. This raises questions about his consistency in front of goal, especially when compared to other iconic midfielders.
The author suggests that De Bruyne’s rapid rise in popularity is being fueled by recency bias, with fans and pundits quick to elevate him to all-time greatness without properly considering the achievements of past midfield legends. Players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Patrick Vieira, and Roy Keane, who all made monumental contributions to the game, are often overlooked in favor of De Bruyne’s current form. The article argues that this tendency to focus on recent performances, rather than historical context, is distorting the true value of De Bruyne’s career and legacy.
The author also touches on the subject of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football, expressing frustration over its ineffectiveness. Using the recent Chelsea vs. Tottenham match as an example, the author criticizes VAR for its slow and inconsistent application. Despite the technology being introduced to aid referees in making clearer decisions, it has often failed to rectify obvious errors. Referees and pundits, including former player Wayne Rooney, have struggled with interpreting the system, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among fans. The article concludes by asserting that VAR, rather than enhancing the game, has become a hindrance, with its implementation not living up to expectations. The ongoing issues with VAR have left many questioning whether the technology is genuinely improving the sport or simply complicating matters further.
