Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne is the greatest playmaker the Premier League has ever seen, and the debate is over. The Belgian maestro has spent nearly a decade at the Etihad weaving passes of such precision and imagination that they make other midfielders look like they are playing a different sport. Six Premier League titles, countless assists, and a legacy that places him alongside Bergkamp, Scholes, and the very finest midfielders ever to grace the English game. De Bruyne did not merely contribute to Manchester City’s dynasty — he was the creative force that made the whole thing work.

What makes De Bruyne extraordinary is not any single skill but the terrifying completeness of his game. The passing range is absurd — short, long, through balls, switches of play, all executed with an ease that suggests he finds the whole thing slightly boring. The crossing ability is the best the Premier League has ever seen. The goalscoring from range is devastating. And the football intelligence that allows him to find space and time on the ball when surrounded by opponents is something that cannot be taught. Injuries have interrupted his later years, which is the only thing that has prevented him from accumulating statistics that would be literally unreachable.

For Australian fans, De Bruyne represents the purest form of footballing excellence — a player whose artistry transcends the tribal loyalties of club football and demands appreciation from anyone who cares about the sport.

Career Statistics

Player Profile

With 260 appearances, 70 goals, and over 100 assists, De Bruyne’s numbers are historic — and they would be even more remarkable without the injuries that have robbed him of precious time. The Belgian continues to influence games for City in the 2025-26 season, and when he eventually leaves the Premier League, the gap he leaves will be immeasurable. There has never been another player quite like him, and the frightening probability is that there never will be again.

VS — Chief sports columnist, australiafootball.com