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Imagine being the owner/operator of a well-known treasure hunt activity along the Suffolk coast. Who would be the least desirable participant to show up at the starting line? Most likely someone with exceptional speed and ground coverage, exceptional attention to detail, and a fiercely competitive nature. Not to mention an almost supernatural talent for spotting objectives before they even appear.
Unfortunately, the future does not document the specific sound produced when the treasure hunt organizer saw Kevin De Bruyne and his printable entry barcode for the first time last fall. The midfielder for Manchester City had been recovering from a hamstring injury since August and took advantage of the break to go on a family vacation to Suffolk. It is also unknown how the De Bruyne family performed in the scavenger hunt. However, based on De Bruyne’s comments after the hunt – “it was enjoyable,” he stated about the experience – it can be assumed that he achieved his goal.
De Bruyne has spent the past five months focusing on resetting and rejuvenating. It was an opportunity to break away from the demanding schedule and constant pace of professional football. He took advantage of this time to properly heal any injuries, undergo thorough training, spend quality time with his family, and experience a more ordinary lifestyle. However, the next five months will be dedicated to making up for lost time. For De Bruyne, the true quest begins now.
The match that kicks off the FA Cup fourth-round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday evening marks a significant moment for City, who have yet to score or win at this venue. As De Bruyne continues to work towards full physical form, it is unlikely he will play the full 90 minutes. However, there is a chance he may make his first start since returning from injury. This will provide insight not only into his current fitness level, but also how he fits into Guardiola’s ever-evolving and dynamic City squad.
For several years, it has been believed that De Bruyne will eventually transition into a deeper midfield position, acting as a withdrawn playmaker, similar to players like Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, and Cesc Fàbregas before him. Micah Richards referred to him as a “quarterback” on Match of the Day, following his decisive performance against Newcastle a few weeks ago. This term refers to a midfielder who orchestrates the game from a deeper position, playing long diagonal passes and accurate crosses.
At a surface level, it may seem logical. This season, Phil Foden and Julián Álvarez have excelled in central positions. Erling Haaland will soon return. With a crowded front five, it would make sense to use an experienced De Bruyne, leveraging his technical skills to dominate games from the midfield against defensive teams. However, there are two major issues with this idea. Firstly, it goes against Guardiola’s vision for De Bruyne’s career. And secondly, it does not align with De Bruyne’s own self-perception.
Guardiola often differentiates between players who assist in improving overall gameplay and those who actively contribute to winning games. Bernardo Silva and John Stones exemplify the former, while Haaland and De Bruyne are notable examples of the latter. Guardiola consistently praises De Bruyne for his impact in the attacking third, whether it be through scoring, assisting, or setting up assists. Recently, he defended his decision to not start De Bruyne against Huddersfield by stating that the first half of the game was tightly contested and finding space was challenging. In the past, he has proclaimed that De Bruyne is unmatched in any type of transition.
None of which seems to portend a move deeper into midfield, where space is even rarer and where De Bruyne has often struggled to influence games for Belgium. The last time Guardiola tried it for any sustained period was in 2019-20, which was also the last season City failed to win the title. Instead, his role against Newcastle suggests that De Bruyne will be deployed in high-impact situations: big games where there is a little more space to operate, and big moments where his touch of genius can make the most difference.
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There has always been a certain level of self-importance present, with players who, despite their commitment and professionalism, ultimately strive to make a significant impact in the final years of their playing careers. As retirement approaches, top footballers begin to reassess and redirect their aspirations. For Lionel Messi, winning the World Cup with Argentina became a consuming goal. Cristiano Ronaldo’s later years have been characterized by a pursuit of records, recognition, and individual dominance. Xavi Hernández and Gerard Piqué, having achieved almost everything in football by the age of 30, shifted their focus early on to personal growth and establishing successful second careers.
What is De Bruyne’s main desire for the upcoming years? Despite his determination, it is unlikely that he will win a World Cup with Belgium. However, there is a slight chance for the Euros this summer. It seems that neither medals nor money are strong motivators for him. Even in moments of triumph, he appeared subdued after last year’s Champions League final. He was able to relish in the victory, but also devastated by having to leave the field due to injury for the second time in three years.
De Bruyne may be seeking the ultimate achievement above all else: not just another championship or Champions League win, but a victory that he will forever be linked to, like Agüero in 2012, Touré in 2014, and Rodri in 2023. Not just observing from the sidelines or with an injured leg, but being fully present and making it happen. This is the moment that will solidify his status from simply great to immortal. He understands that the journey holds its own beauty, but ultimately, the end goal remains the focus.
Source: theguardian.com
