Of Martin Graham
Kevin de Bruyne Recent views have caused admiration in Europe, and many called it “legendary” and “pure class” while thriving in their new environment. After leaving Manchester City In a free transfer in summer to join -S NapoliThe Belgian enjoys one of the most impressive openings in a season of his career.
The midfielder exit occurred in the middle of a wave of Etihad’s outings, with superior figures such as Edson, Jack Grealish, Ilkay Gundoganand Kyle Walker All moving forward. Despite gaining 16 great honors and making more than 400 appearances, the 34 -year -old did not receive a new contract and moved to series A after his agreement expired in June.
Reflecting on the situation earlier this year, De Bruyne admitted his surprise to the city’s position. “I was a little surprised, but I just have to accept it,” he said in April. “Honestly, I think I can act at this level as I show, but I understand that clubs have to make decisions.”
His first performances in this term suggest that confidence was well located.
Numbers that speak for themselves
The veteran player player has started the 2025-26 campaign prolific, and he scored twice from the place during Belgium 4–2 victory Wales On Monday. In its 12 departures for the club and the country this season, it has registered eight goals and three assists: 11 implications in total.
Only twice in his career has he contributed to more goals in this phase of a campaign, 2019-20 and 2023–24. Its production has been an important impetus for Napoli, where it has already been adapted to the Rhythm of the A., while it does not yet have to provide assistance to the League, it ranks second among the midfielders for the possibilities created.
In terms of score, only Christian Pulisic of AC Milan and Riccardo Orsolini Bologna, with four goals each, have found the net more than three of Bruyne among the midfielders.
Mixed fortunes for the city without his teacher
Back in England, the start of the Manchester City season has been solid but not spectacular. Pep Guardiola’s side has raised six wins, two draws and two losses of his first ten accessories.
One of those wins was against Napoli at the Etihad stadium, when De Bruyne returned to Manchester. The long -awaited reunion was reduced after 26 minutes when Giovanni di Lorenzo saw Red for visitors.
However, it emphasizes the creative form and observation of midfielder goals compared to the current options of the midfield and attacks of the city. Only Belgian companion Jeremy Doku has produced similar combined numbers for goals and assists so far.
Again fully in shape and leading Belgium
Fitness problems had limited Bruyne’s participation to the end of his career at the Premier League, with only 34 league starting the previous two seasons. In contrast, five of the six games in Napoli series has begun, this campaign, leaving the bench on the other. “I feel good,” he recently explained. “I’m playing a lot and I’m in good shape.”
Internationally, the experienced midfielder is still a central figure for Belgium. He has already presented to Three Cups and is one of the few members of the country’s “gold generation”. Although the new coach Rudi Garcia removed him as captain in September, delivering his arm to Youruri Tielemans, De Bruyne responded typically decisively.
Five goals in his first four games under Garcia, including the Braça in Wales, put Belgium on the shores of their fourth consecutive appearance of the World Cup. De Bruyne will turn 35 during the next summer tournament in Canada, Mexico and the USA, but continues to perform at a significantly high level.
