Guardiola insists Kevin De Bruyne can still play better

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has challenged Kevin De Bruyne to play even better, despite the Belgian giving an impressive performance that included a goal and three chances created during Saturday’s Premier League win over Brighton.

De Bruyne already has nine Premier League assists to his name so far this season and leads the league in that category by some distance.

Man City 3-1 Brighton: Player ratings – Premier League
90min rated De Bruyne 8/10 against Brighton, the same as Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva.

But Guardiola hasn’t won everything that he has done by settling for anything less than perfection and is adamant there is still room for improvement from his captain.

“He can be better. He’s not playing at his top level, Kevin, not yet,” the City boss said.

“He makes a fantastic level but he’s not playing at his best. He knows, I don’t have to tell him. His dynamic still is not perfect. He knows that, I spoke with him.

“The goal [he scored] is outstanding, thanks to him we didn’t suffer in the last 15-20 minutes.”

De Bruyne has started all but two of City’s games in all competitions this season and will be crucial if the club is to win a third consecutive Premier League title for the first time. Guardiola’s side also continue to chase the elusive Champions League trophy.