Tuesday Gossip

by Neil Leigh

Media Watch: 'De Bruyne is as good as it gets'

With the September international break still in full swing, there’s praise aplenty for Kevin De Bruyne after another magnificent display by our midfield maestro in Belgium’s 4-0 demolition of Scotland.

There’s also news of a potential Premier League landmark for KDB ahead of our trip to Norwich this weekend.
There are plaudits too for Phil Foden in the wake the teenager’s latest exploits for England’s Under-21s while we also look ahead to the Three Lions latest Euro 2020 qualifier against Kosovo this evening.

News

Goal.com - No-one like De Bruyne, says Martinez
Josh Thomas: "Belgium boss Roberto Martinez believes when Kevin De Bruyne is at his best, there's no other midfielder like him.

"De Bruyne produced another record-breaking Euro 2020 display with three assists and a goal as Belgium eased past Scotland 4-0 in qualifying on Monday night.
"The playmaker has also managed one goal and five assists for two-time reigning Premier League champions City this term. "He's been very, very good for a long time now," Martinez said in a post match interview.
"I think he's in the best moment of his career. This campaign has started with a freshness and real driven feeling of playing at his best and when he does that he's as good as it gets. There's no other midfield player that can create space, a playmaker that can execute the passes that he does. It's a joy to see him fitting into the group.
Daily Mirror – Foden steals show but Boothroyd wants more
Simon Bird: "Phil Foden delivering another match winning show for England U21s – and was told he can play even better by boss Aidy Boothroyd.
"The Manchester City midfielder has taken the Young Lions qualifying campaign by storm.

"After two assists in the opener in Turkey last week, he unlocked Kosovo with a first half strike, and a second deep in injury time.
"Boothroyd said: “Phil has not played as well as he can! He is happy with his goals, but he wants to be better."
"The 19-year-old is now certain to be the kid England build around.
"Boothroyd's biggest worry may be having Foden called into Gareth Southgate's senior squad if he can get more starts at City, where he has David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne as rivals.
BBC - Foden strikes at the double
The City youngster told BT Sport: "There is no better feeling than scoring and I am happy to help the lads, we deserved the three points.
"It was not easy and I thought they played well on the night. We kept our patience and it paid off.
"It is the perfect start to qualifying. We are top now so I am happy. We are a very young team and have not been together long, but we want to win and we play with a smile on our faces.
"I enjoy playing and it was important to get the minutes tonight. We are only early into the season so I am waiting for my chance [at Manchester City]."
Daily Mail - Muric holds key to Sterling’s secrets
Joe Bernstein: Kosovo goalkeeper Aro Muric played an important role in helping Raheem Sterling develop from flawed finisher into a clinical goal machine.
"Yes, of course I think it helps me. I trained every day with Sterling, with Sancho as well in the youth. We know each other,' said Muric ahead of Kosovo's first-ever meeting with England..
"'I know Sterling particularly because every day I would train extra with him. He would ask me to stay after (regular practise) and I had a lot of shots from him to help his finishing! But I don't say I helped him, he helped himself.'

"Another Kosovo star, midfield playmaker Bersant Celina who was at Manchester City until signing for Swansea in 2018, is also thrilled with Sterling's rise from controversial figure to near-national treasure.
'I think he is a great player, and an even a better person, a really nice guy,' said Celina. 'He didn't deserve the stick he got sometimes. He gives everything for the national team and has obviously been doing great for Manchester City."
PremierLeague.com - De Bruyne chasing Henry assist record
"The Belgian has the chance to match two marks set by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry when Manchester City visit Norwich.
"With at least one assist in all four Premier League matches so far this season, De Bruyne is on course to equal a record set by Henry.
"The Belgian's streak of assists in consecutive matches from the beginning of a campaign has matched Cesc Fabregas's return in 2014/15.
"De Bruyne now has the chance to match him at Norwich City on Saturday.

"Henry and Fabregas created seven and six goals respectively during their sequences, which are the most by a player five matches into a season.
"De Bruyne has set up five goals this term so if he lays on another two at Carrow Road he will equal that Henry feat, too.
"Only Henry has started a season with a longer run of appearances with an assist, with the Arsenal legend putting together a run of five matches in 2004/05.