‘Legendary’, ‘pure class’ and ‘on another level’ are just some of the terms used to describe Kevin de Bruyne this week.
The Belgian is enjoying one of his best starts to a season since moving to Napoli on a free transfer this summer which begs the question, did he leave Manchester City a year too early?
The exodus of senior City players in the past year has been well documented, with the likes of Ederson, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundogan and Kyle Walker all leaving for pastures new.
De Bruyne was also deemed surplus to requirements – despite 16 trophies and more than 400 appearances – and the midfielder, reluctant to leave, joined Napoli when his contract expired in June.
“I was a bit surprised but I just have to accept it,” said De Bruyne back in April. “Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I’m showing, but I understand clubs have to make decisions.”
It turns out the 34-year-old was correct in his self-assessment.
De Bruyne’s best scoring start
De Bruyne has begun 2025-26 in sparkling form, underlined by two goals from the penalty spot during Belgium’s 4-2 win in Wales on Monday night.
He has 11 goal involvements in 12 appearances for club and country this season, with three assists and eight goals.
City’s loss is Napoli’s gain
The Belgian also appears to have slotted in seamlessly to life in Serie A and, while he is yet to register a league assist, he has created the equal-second most chances among all midfielders.
His tally of three goals has only been bettered by AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini, who have four, and only a handful of midfield players have registered more shots on target.