Pep Guardiola believes that Kevin De Bruyne is back to his best after the midfielder starred in Manchester City's dominant 4-1 victory over rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Two first-half goals from the 30-year-old, either side of a strike from Jadon Sancho, were followed by a second-half brace from Riyad Mahrez to help the Citizens move six points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table.
Guardiola admitted that De Bruyne came off in the 80th minute as a precaution due to a minor calf problem, but he has revealed that the Belgian is feeling fine and went on to praise the playmaker's performance, highlighting his improvements in front of goal.
"Yeah it was there a little bit [De Bruyne's minor injury] but I don't think it is a problem. He made an incredible effort. He's playing all the minutes, well he didn't play against Peterborough, but he is back at his best," the Spaniard said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports News.
"He struggled to play through the pain at the beginning of the season, but Kevin is back and absolutely in his best. He's strong and I'm so delighted this season that he is scoring goals.
"Always I speak with him and say you are just focused on the assists, it's okay but you have to score goals, you have to win games. This season [he's scoring] a lot of goals and hopefully he can continue [to stay] fit."
Guardiola also admired City's overall team performance and believes the second half, in particular, was one of the strongest that he has witnessed since his arrival as manager at the Etihad back in 2016.
"We played really well. People can say everything, I know the respect I have for United, the quality and physicality and personality in most cases. But when Kyle [Walker] was excellent today, sometimes I couldn't see at this level. Unfortunately, he was out of many games.
"When Joao [Cancelo], Bernardo [Silva], [De Bruyne], Jack [Grealish], Rodri were involved, we could rest with the ball and wingers Riyad [Mahrez] and Jack attracted opponents and made space for others. We did really well in this process, every decision made was good and that's why we won."
"In the first half we struggled a little bit to build up especially in the left side more often, but in the second half were really better and we were comfortable. We cannot forget United, [their last] eight games without defeat, and especially second half one of the highest levels we have play in these years.
"I'm so demanding but I know my limits and I know the players' limits. We didn't concede one shot on target in the second half and United were eight games without defeat. It is Man United."
Man City will now prepare for Wednesday's Champions League last-16 tie at home against Sporting Lisbon, taking a comfortable 5-0 advantage into the second leg.
Oliver Thomas
