Lionel Messi is the only player better than Kevin De Bruyne says former Arsenal striker John Hartson
Former Arsenal and West Ham striker John Hartson feels that Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best players in the world with only Barcelona star Lionel Messi better than the Belgian playmaker.
Speaking to BT Sports, the pundit felt that De Bruyne is currently playing better than the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez, Antoine Griezmann and Gareth Bale.
"I think De Bruyne at the moment is the second best player in the world behind Messi," he said.
"Tell me who's been playing better than him in world football at the moment.
"[Gareth] Bale's not. Suarez has been quiet recently. De Bruyne, just in behind Messi, is the best in the world right now."
The Belgian star was absolutely sensational in Manchester City’s 3-1 victory against Barcelona and even provided the assist on Saturday for Sergio Aguero’s goal in the 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.
Kevin De Bruyne can match up to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo says former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore
De Bruyne had earlier captured the attention of Collymore as well with his stunning performance in the Manchester Derby in September. Speaking after the match, Collymore had said:
“He found pockets of space behind Fellaini and Pogba,” Collymore said. “He made them go backwards rather than forward.”
“City can go to the last four in the Champions League where you’re talking about territory usually claimed by Ronaldo, Messi and co.
“Do City have one of those guys to stand up and be a guaranteed match winner? Not yet, but watch out for KDB this season, he may end up being the best of the rest.”
De Bruyne has been turning heads with his performances this season and if he continues with his good performances, he could well be a contender for the PFA Player of the Year award this season.
Kevin De Bruyne reveals that he 'doesn't care' about Jose Mourinho
De Bruyne was sold by Mourinho who believed that the Belgian was not good enough for the Premier League. However, upon signing for Manchester City, The Belgian has been one of the best players in the League.
Speaking to FourFourTwo, de Bruyne said, “I've no idea and I don't care [why he never won over Mourinho]. I waited four months, then I said to myself that I wanted to play football every week. I couldn't get the game time I wanted, so leaving was the obvious choice.“
“I wanted to start a new chapter – not be loaned out and come back to the exact same situation. It was a really smart move on my part. But of all the choices I have made in my career, I don't regret one of them – even going to Chelsea. It didn't work out. I wanted to play football; I didn't; so I left,” he added.
More football news, analysis and features at Sportskeeda.com