Kevin De Bruyne’s decade-long journey at Manchester City has been nothing short of extraordinary, a story of evolution, brilliance, and legacy-building at one of football’s biggest stages. As he prepares to bid farewell to the Etihad Stadium, his time at the club stands as a testament to his immense influence on both the team and the Premier League.
When De Bruyne arrived in 2015 from Wolfsburg, he was already known for his versatility and creativity. Under Manuel Pellegrini, he was a positionless talent, deployed across multiple attacking roles left wing, right wing, attacking midfield, and even as a forward. This adaptability made him an instant asset to the squad, highlighted by memorable moments like a last-minute Champions League winner against Sevilla where he started wide but scored from the opposite flank. His attacking prowess was clear, but the true transformation began under Pep Guardiola, who took charge the following summer.
Guardiola redefined De Bruyne’s role, shifting him away from the traditional number 10 position into a deeper, more dynamic midfield role often described as a “free eight.” This was a tactical innovation that demanded more from De Bruyne both defensively and creatively. Initially, this transition led to a temporary dip in his direct attacking output, but Guardiola’s faith never wavered. De Bruyne soon flourished, combining his forward-thinking passing with intelligent positioning and relentless work rate. By the end of the 2016-17 season, he had racked up 18 league assists, including a jaw-dropping blind cross-field pass to Raheem Sterling that became iconic a perfect example of the kind of creative genius he consistently brought to the pitch.
The period from 2018 to 2020 marked De Bruyne’s peak as a midfield general. In Guardiola’s record-breaking 100-point season, he excelled in a box-to-box right-sided midfield role, delivering passes and crosses that were pure football artistry. One standout moment was his perfectly weighted through-ball to Leroy Sané against Stoke City, cutting through multiple defenders with ease. His trademark back-post crosses became a vital weapon, routinely setting up goals. Even when injuries disrupted his 2018-19 campaign, De Bruyne returned to help City secure crucial wins, including a Champions League night against Tottenham where he provided three assists in a thrilling 4-3 victory.
2019-20 was arguably his finest season individually. Although City finished second in the league, De Bruyne matched Thierry Henry’s Premier League record of 20 assists, narrowly missing out on a 21st assist that he controversially was not credited for. His thunderous goal against Newcastle, a strike that left spectators breathless, underscored his talent not just as a creator but as a game-changer.
As Manchester City’s tactics evolved from 2020 to 2022, De Bruyne adapted seamlessly, even stepping into a striker role at times within the team’s false nine system. Despite fewer back-post crosses as the team’s approach shifted, his influence remained paramount. During the pandemic-affected 2020-21 season, when Guardiola emphasized defensive solidity, De Bruyne shouldered much of the creative burden, producing nine assists in just 12 league games. His importance to the team was also reflected off the pitch, where he successfully negotiated a new contract using data to demonstrate his value, emphasizing how City’s Champions League chances hinged on his presence.
The arrival of Erling Haaland from 2022 onwards saw De Bruyne reinvent himself yet again this time as the primary supplier for one of the most prolific strikers in the world. Their partnership was electric, with De Bruyne’s vision and precision unlocking defences and enabling Haaland to break record after record. Despite injuries in his final season, De Bruyne’s creativity remained the heartbeat of City’s play, especially in crucial moments during tight matches and title runs.
Few players have defined an era at a single club with such intelligence, elegance, and determination. De Bruyne’s legacy is woven not only through his six Premier League titles and countless assists but also through the unforgettable moments that redefined what was possible on the pitch for Manchester City. As his Etihad chapter closes, it’s clear that Kevin De Bruyne didn’t just contribute to City’s success he changed the club’s footballing identity forever. Wherever his next adventure takes him, the Etihad will always remain a canvas painted with his genius.
