Anyone who doubted the importance of Kevin De Bruyne to Manchester City need only listen to Pep Guardiola's reaction when it was announced he would be missing for some time. "The injury is a blow, a big loss," the Catalonian manager admitted. "He has specific qualities.
For a long time is really tough for us." While there was clear frustration, Guardiola provided hope as he added: "We have to look forward.
We have alternatives. Kevin is irreplaceable, but we have talented players. They will take it." Fortunately, this City squad is blessed with talent running deep throughout.
But clearly, there was a creative gap left in the team which needed to be filled. Such is De Bruyne's importance to the team, not one man alone has taken on the entire burden of his creativity.