
Man City Boss Praises De Bruyne But Reserves Top Spot for Argentine Icon
In the world of football, few managers hold more credibility when it comes to appraising talent than Pep Guardiola. From his time building dynasties at Barcelona and Bayern Munich to his record-breaking reign at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola has managed some of the greatest playmakers the sport has ever seen.
So when the Catalan coach was recently asked to name the best passer he’s ever worked with, eyebrows were raised—and hearts perhaps bruised—when Pep Guardiola surprisingly snubbed Kevin De Bruyne from the top spot.
The Belgian midfield maestro has been the heartbeat of City’s midfield for nearly a decade. Yet, according to Pep Guardiola, he still falls just short of one man: Lionel Messi.
“Let Me Put Kevin Second”: Pep Guardiola’s Passing Hierarchy
Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on May 20, Pep Guardiola was quizzed about De Bruyne’s passing genius—a skill set that has lit up the Premier League since the Belgian arrived from Wolfsburg in 2015.
Guardiola’s response? Pure honesty, sprinkled with admiration.
“One is Messi,” he began, without hesitation. “And the other two, let me think about it… OK, let me put Kevin second. Messi is the best I have ever seen because Messi has done it really, really close to the box. But Kevin is there… the stats, the goals, the assists – that’s unique.”
To be clear, there was no shortage of praise for De Bruyne. Pep Guardiola called him “one of the top three passers” he has coached—placing him above the likes of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and David Silva. That’s elite company by any standard. But in Pep’s eyes, Messi stands alone at the summit.

Kevin De Bruyne: The Architect of an Era
Even if second place on Pep Guardiola’s all-time passing list may feel like a slight for some City fans, it’s a reflection of the towering standards De Bruyne has set in a sky-blue shirt.
Since joining the club in 2015, the 33-year-old has won 16 major honours, including six Premier League titles and the long-awaited UEFA Champions League triumph in 2022-23. He’s provided more than just silverware—he’s offered vision, leadership, and countless moments of footballing magic.
Under Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne has arguably played the best football of his career. Averaging 0.5 assists and 3.6 chances created per 90 minutes across 258 league games, he’s established himself as one of the most prolific creators of his generation.
And yet, as this season draws to a close without a trophy, it seems the curtain is also slowly falling on De Bruyne’s time at the Etihad.
Guardiola on De Bruyne’s Departure: “Kevin Will Get What He Deserves”
With his future up in the air and his City contract nearing its end, Pep Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty of replacing a player of De Bruyne’s calibre.
“There are players who are really, really difficult for many reasons, we know that,” Pep Guardiola said. “But the season we have done is the season we have done – we cannot deny it. Of course we have to move forward. Kevin will get what he deserves. That is the best compliment for his incredible trajectory.”
The manager’s tone was one of respect and recognition—no dramatic declarations or eulogies, just quiet reverence for a player who has defined City’s golden era.
Life After De Bruyne: Who Steps Up Next?
Replacing Kevin De Bruyne is, in many ways, an impossible task. He’s not just a stats machine—he’s the rhythm-setter, the man who sees spaces others don’t, the player who consistently delivers in the biggest moments.
But City, as always, are looking ahead. With names like Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White reportedly on Pep Guardiola’s shortlist, the recruitment machine is already spinning. Both are talented, but neither offer the immediate pedigree of De Bruyne.
Guardiola knows that this is a transition that must be handled carefully. He’s been through it before—replacing club legends at Barcelona and Bayern—and the key, as always, will be balance: blending youthful energy with proven quality.
A Farewell Fit for a Legend
De Bruyne’s farewell is shaping up to be an emotional one. With City having missed out on silverware this season—losing the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace and falling short in the league—the focus now turns to celebrating the man who has given so much.
A guard of honour is planned after City’s final home game against Bournemouth. His last appearance for the club is expected to come against Fulham on May 25. For fans and teammates alike, it’ll be a moment to savour, to reflect, and to say thank you.
There’s no official word yet on where De Bruyne will go next. A move to a Premier League rival hasn’t been ruled out, though interest from Saudi Arabia and Major League Soccer is also on the table.
Messi vs De Bruyne: The Eternal Comparison
Guardiola’s Messi pick shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who remember their golden years at Barcelona. Together, they redefined football—Messi orchestrating attacks from false-nine positions and slipping in passes only he could see.
But in many ways, comparing Messi and De Bruyne is a false equivalence. They operate in different ways. Messi’s magic happens in tight pockets near the box; De Bruyne thrives in transitions, launching defence-splitting passes from deeper zones.
Both are generational talents, and both have defined the way modern football is played. Pep Guardiola’s admiration for both is sincere—his Messi preference is less a slight on De Bruyne and more a tribute to an alien talent who played the game on his own terms.

What’s Next for Pep and City?
As City look to bounce back from a rare trophyless season, Pep Guardiola will be under pressure to rebuild and refresh his squad. While Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, and Rodri remain central to the team’s future, the absence of De Bruyne’s vision will be keenly felt.
Whether the solution lies in the transfer market or from within, Pep Guardiola has shown time and again that he can evolve his teams. But finding someone who can replicate De Bruyne’s mix of genius and graft? That’s another story entirely.
Final Thought:
Pep Guardiola may have “snubbed” Kevin De Bruyne in a soundbite, but it’s clear his respect for the Belgian runs deep. In truth, Pep Guardiola’s praise of Messi does little to diminish De Bruyne’s legacy. Instead, it places him exactly where he belongs: among the finest passers the game has ever seen.
And as City prepare to say goodbye to one of their greatest-ever players, there’s only one thing left to do—cherish what’s left, and remember what was.