Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership is exactly what Manchester City have missed | OneFootball

Manchester City have been hit by injuries so far this season. That isn’t an excuse for their current losing run. But it is the reality of the situation Pep Guardiola’s side has faced this season. One of those players who has missed a significant portion of this season is Kevin De Bruyne. In his absence after the groin injury he suffered against Inter Milan in September, the champions missed his brilliance on the pitch. But they also missed his leadership. Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership is an underrated aspect of his game. But it is vital to Manchester City.

De Bruyne is an inspirational figure in this Manchester City squad. So often, when his team needs someone to step up and provide a lift, it is the Belgian international who provides it. His performance against Chelsea in last season’s FA Cup semi-final is a classic example of this. Manchester City were running on fumes at the time and it was De Bruyne who dragged his team to a crucial victory. There are countless other examples of De Bruyne’s leadership on the pitch standing out in crucial moments. Manchester City have undoubtedly missed his presence in recent games.

But there is another side to Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership that is rarely mentioned but it does stand out. It was on full display when De Bruyne spoke of Manchester City’s Brazilian winger Savinho and his start to life at the club.

Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership was on full display as he praised the impact of Savinho.

In an interview with TNT Sports Brasil, Kevin De Bruyne was asked about Savinho’s start to his City career. The topic of the lack of goals from the young winger was brought up. But De Bruyne’s answer was everything you’d expect from a leader. His comment was reassuring for the young Brazilian and De Bruyne pointed out all the good parts of his game so far this season. When asked about Savinho De Bruyne said: “He’s started really well. Obviously there’s moments where it becomes a little more difficult when you’re not scoring [your first goal], maybe he gets a little anxious about that. But he seems relaxed about it and he’s done a good job. It’s not easy now in a moment where it gets a little more difficult for the team to help out. But especially in the beginning of the season, he’s doing really, really good. “I don’t think he should be anxious about anything. He started really well, and we’ll try to pick him up and help him score his first City goal. Then we’ll see him score many, many more.“

With Kevin De Bruyne back the hope is that he can help lead his team out of their recent slide.

Kevin De Bruyne’s comments on Savinho’s start to his City career show the leadership he offers. He praised the young Brazilian international and also offered reassurance to the young winger. That is everything you’d expect from a leader. Kevin De Bruyne is exactly that at Manchester City.

With De Bruyne back fit the hope is he can help lead his team out of their recent slump. De Bruyne’s brilliance on the pitch has been missed but Kevin De Bruyne’s leadership has been as well. During their 5 game-losing run Manchester City have appeared to lack leadership on the pitch. With De Bruyne back Manchester City have one of their key leaders back. That can only help Pep Guardiola’s side try and arrest their recent slide starting tonight against Feyenoord.