De Bruyne is a master brain of football ―Kompany

Vincent Kompany believes the variety of Kevin De Bruyne’s skill set lifts the midfielder to ‘another level’.

De Bruyne has enjoyed another sensational season with City, netting 12 goals and creating 19. In recognition of the pivotal role he has played in the Blues’ Premier League and Carabao Cup successes, the playmaker received a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award.

Having now assisted 42 goals in 96 games, bagging 21 goals in the process, the Belgian ace is a crucial component in the Blues’ squad.

The mercurial maestro – who so often conjures truly implausible and match-defining moments of magic – is justly adored by the City faithful, and Kompany asserted his teammates are equally as admiring.

The PFA Player of the Year award in the end was claimed by Mo Salah for his astonishing displays for Liverpool. Yet, Kompany – amongst others – is of the opinion his compatriot deserved the plaudits.

Asked by CNN whether De Bruyne should have received the crown, the City captain replied: “I’m going to be biased – I’m going to say ‘yes’ of course – but how can you take away from Mo Salah what he has achieved?

“He’s an African player, which I’m happy about as well. It’s important – it’s going to have a big impact in his country – but Kevin is a master brain of football.

“The way he sees and understands the game is beyond what you can see in terms of ability from any player.

“That’s why it’s difficult to categorise Kevin’s performances.

“If you take the full package – the passes he’s seen and the amount of actions he’s made this season which we were so clever and different from what anyone else would have done – then you would have to put him on another level.

“A lot of the things he does were maybe not even the ones you will notice.”