I saw an alternative Kevin De Bruyne future at Man City as contract wait goes on

There was confusion among the Manchester City fanbase when Kevin De Bruyne was overlooked for the captain's role last summer. Kyle Walker has led the side since then and De Bruyne insisted he didn't need an armband to play a leadership role of his own.

In a rare press conference on Monday, De Bruyne stepped up in the face of some difficult questions and a nightmare losing run. It would have been easy to hide, especially given he has had a tough time with injuries and is yet to commit his future to City, but that isn't De Bruyne's style.

With his trademark shrug of the shoulders and puff of the cheeks, De Bruyne brushed off questions on City's form like a defender he's bodied to the floor en route to goal. In the process, he showed why letting him leave this summer would be a monumental mistake.

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"Kevin will be honest," said Pep Guardiola immediately before De Bruyne arrived. "He wants to finish here at his best. I don't think he will be here when he believes he doesn't feel he can be the Kevin that can produce and help the team like he has done in the last decade.

"I'm pretty sure he doesn't want to be in the position - I'm not saying playing every three days for 11 months - but when he plays he has to be the best Kevin possible and unfortunately with the injuries he has not been able to deliver.

"All I ask for Kevin is 'I don't have pain and I can train good'. After that, Kevin will give us something that is unique. Of course we need him."

This is the dilemma regarding De Bruyne's future. At his best there isn't even a question about keeping him at the Etihad