Manchester City experienced a frustrating two-goal loss to Brentford in the Premier League on Tuesday night, but one player was in top form. Pep Guardiola’s team faltered again, allowing a two-goal lead to slip away, despite a classic performance from Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgium international has played only 10 matches this season, having trouble staying fit because of a hamstring injury that kept him out for about two months. It’s crucial for Captain Kevin to be in good form, especially since Rodri, City’s other midfield star and Ballon d’Or winner, had surgery in September for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee after getting injured against Arsenal at the Etihad. Playmaker De Bruyne returned to a struggling Manchester City that had won only four out of 16 matches across all competitions 11 days ago. He captained the team during his 400th appearance in their 4-1 victory at home against West Ham United, playing the entire 90 minutes and assisting star player Phil Foden for a goal in the second half. His 400th appearance was a significant milestone for the club he joined in 2015 from Wolfsburg. Despite speculation about his future as he enters the final six months of his contract, he consistently emphasizes his commitment to the team when asked about it. “I don’t care.” “I’m just focusing on returning to my best form,” De Bruyne stated when queried about a potential new contract at the Etihad Stadium. “I feel like I’m improving each week.” In terms of fitness, I’m improving and can now run for 90 minutes. The past few months have been tough due to the injury, but I am improving and getting better at my performance, and that’s what matters. His impressive performance against Brentford clearly demonstrated that. The 33-year-old put on a nostalgic performance reminiscent of the greats, controlling the game from central midfield and proving he still has plenty of energy. Kevin appeared to be in top form, showcasing his drive and skill throughout the match; it was the De Bruyne we have come to know during his time in Sky Blue.
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