After a decade of brilliance in Manchester, Kevin De Bruyne is preparing to say farewell to the Etihad Stadium — but not without a few heartfelt reflections on his journey.
Kevin De Bruyne Says Man City Currently Have a Player Better Than Yaya Toure
The Belgian midfield maestro played his final home game for Manchester City on Tuesday night in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth, marking the end of an unforgettable era for both De Bruyne and the club’s fans.
As the tributes continue to pour in, De Bruyne sat down with Man City’s media team to name his all-time best XI from teammates he’s played alongside.
While fans expected tough calls, none stirred conversation more than his choice to pick Ilkay Gundogan over club legend Yaya Toure in midfield.
“I’ll probably take Yaya and Samir out because I haven’t played long enough with them,” De Bruyne explained.
“They were so, so good, but I’ve played way more with Gundo and Bernardo.”
Faced with the difficult decision between Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva, De Bruyne ultimately went with the German.
“I’ll probably pick Gundo, because Gundo was more that position. Bernardo floated in and out of that position, he also played on the right a little bit more. I’ll pick Gundo for the midfield,” he said.
Gundogan’s legacy at City certainly backs up De Bruyne’s pick. His iconic brace against Aston Villa on the final day of the 2021/22 season sealed the Premier League title in dramatic fashion, etching his name forever in City folklore.
In total, Gundogan made 353 appearances, scored 62 goals, and provided 45 assists during his time in sky blue.
Yaya Toure, on the other hand, remains a giant in City’s modern history. Despite playing fewer games (316), he scored 80 goals — including several in clutch moments — and assisted 45.
But De Bruyne’s decision highlights the emotional weight of recent memories and the value of shared time on the pitch.
As De Bruyne prepares to embark on a new adventure, reportedly with MLS side Chicago Fire, his comments underline the respect and admiration he holds for the players who stood beside him through Manchester City’s golden age.
