18 November 2023 , 09:30
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Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are united in agreement that Kevin De Bruyne could soon become the greatest midfielder in Premier League history.
The Newcastle legend and former Manchester City man were both tasked with identifying the best midfield partnership in Premier League history as part of the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast. Both were on the same page when it came to their answer regarding the best duo, identifying as Paul Scholes and Roy Keane as themost elite pairing.
However, when the conversation turned to which individual can be crowned the Premier League's best midfielder ever, De Bruyne's name entered the fray. Richards made clear he feels the Belgium international is capable of surpassing Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who the former City ace clearly feels is the current No. 1
"If he has a couple more seasons in the Premier League, he will become the best ever, just ousting Steven Gerrard," Richards claimed. It was a sentiment that Shearer could not disagree with, as he continued by singing De Bruyne's praises.
He claimed: "As much as I want to disagree, I can't. He can play out wide, he can play anywhere in that midfield. He's the one player I look back and think 'I wouldn't mind playing in the same team as you' the chances and the balls he puts in. He's a forward's dream."
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While De Bruyne is not yet the best midfielder in Premier League history according to either, he was one half of a City duo that were deemed the second best partnership ever in the division. Both Richards and Shearer claimed that the ex-Chelsea ace, alongside Fernandinho, was a world-class duo.
HAVE YOUR SAY!Where does De Bruyne rank among the Premier League's best ever midfielders? Comment below
Kevin De Bruyne has not been able to weave his influence for Man City due to injury (Getty Images)Together, De Bruyne and Fernandinho boasted contrasting skilsets that complimented each other perfectly. The former's technical flair balanced out the Brazilian's reading of the game and tough tackles in the middle of the park.
The aforementioned pairing were not the only City duo to feature on the lists of Shearer and Richards. Both ex-professionals turned pundits heralded Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan as the third best duo to play in the Premier League.
De Bruyne has been unable to feature for the overwhelming majority of the season so far as City aim to defend their Premier League crown once again. The 32-year-old has played just 23 minutes of football before being sidelined with a muscle tear.
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