Joleon Lescott, a former Manchester City defender, has dismissed comparisons between Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Kevin De Bruyne.
Last Saturday, City cruised to a 4-1 victory over United in what was an excellent performance by Pep Guardiola’s team.
In what was an incredible individual performance by the Belgian playmaker, De Bruyne scored a brace in the encounter, confirming to many that he is one of the best midfielders to grace the Premier League.
However, United star Fernandes has been likened to De Bruyne in the past since the Portuguese maestro has been a bright spot at Old Trafford during the club’s recent struggles.
When asked how the two midfielders compare, Lescott sounded offended that the two midfielders were even named in the same breath.
“He’s acting as an immortal, he hasn’t won it [the Champions League],” the former England star stated on BT Sport on Wednesday night. It’s difficult for me to compare Kevin de Bruyne’s weekend to anyone else’s.
“It’s a night and day difference between Fernandes and myself.” This isn’t surprising because he operates at such a high level.”
De Bruyne has nine goals and three assists for City so far this season, and he’ll need to keep up his hot streak if he wants to help the Etihad Stadium club win the Premier League.
Fernandes, on the other hand, has scored the same number of goals as De Bruyne and has three more assists than the former Chelsea midfielder, so it’s easy to see why he’s being named one of the finest midfielders in the league.
However, Lescott believes that City’s no.17 is simply superior.
Roy Keane, speaking to Sky Sports after the Manchester derby last weekend, expressed his admiration for De Bruyne, saying: “Brilliant.” Good attitude and professionalism, regaining his best form, delivery, goals, and assists By the conclusion of his career, he’ll be considered one of the top midfielders in the Premier League.”
On Sunday, the accolades for the 30-year-old didn’t stop there.
“We talk about great players,” Jamie Redknapp, a former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool midfielder, added. “If you’re a City supporter, you get a masterclass every week.” It’s a pleasure to observe him.
“The way he strikes the ball is a bit like Paul Scholes, he’s got a touch of pace like Steven Gerrard, and he’s got a bit of Gerrard about him in the way he moves in midfield.” It was easy for him today with the number of times he picked up the ball in space.”
It’s unclear whether De Bruyne will win his fourth Premier League title, or whether Liverpool will be able to close the six-point deficit between themselves and the league leaders in the following 11 games.
