Mo Salah’s Penalty Highlights Kevin De Bruyne’s Limited Role in City Defeat
After Mohamed Salah converted a penalty in the 78th minute to secure a 2-0 lead for Liverpool over Manchester City, Kevin De Bruyne finally made his entrance. However, it was too late for the City legend to influence the outcome of yesterday’s Premier League clash at Anfield. Critics are questioning why Pep Guardiola waited so long to introduce his star midfielder, particularly in a match where his presence was sorely needed.
De Bruyne’s Reduced Role Raises Questions
The Belgian international began the season in promising form before suffering an injury during City’s goalless draw with Inter Milan in September. That setback sidelined him for nine games. Since his return, De Bruyne has been limited to brief substitute appearances, including his cameo at Anfield. Observers argue City needed more from their midfield talisman, with his sporadic involvement raising eyebrows.
“Why they aren’t getting it remains a mystery,” the article speculates, hinting that De Bruyne’s physical condition might still be a concern.
Conflicting Statements Add to the Confusion
Before City’s 3-3 draw with Feyenoord, De Bruyne claimed he was “pain-free.” However, Guardiola’s cautious approach doesn’t align with those assurances. If fully fit, De Bruyne’s cameos of 10–20 minutes seem perplexing. “What we were told a week ago isn’t matching up to what we are seeing on the pitch,” the article suggests.
Following City’s loss to Liverpool, Guardiola defended his decisions but left questions unanswered. “Kevin [De Bruyne] played good minutes, Jack [Grealish] played well, Jeremy [Doku] played good minutes after a month out,” he said, without explaining why De Bruyne wasn’t introduced earlier.
City’s Slump Linked to De Bruyne’s Absence
With Manchester City struggling for consistency, De Bruyne’s limited role is becoming a major talking point. His absence from the starting lineup has coincided with the team’s dip in form, intensifying calls for his reintegration. Whether he will start in City’s next fixture against Nottingham Forest remains to be seen.
If De Bruyne doesn’t feature prominently on Wednesday, speculation about his fitness and Guardiola’s management will only grow. As the article concludes, “At some point, he has to return to the starting lineup. The story will continue to fester if he doesn’t.”
City’s hopes of regaining momentum may hinge on their midfield maestro returning to his influential best. For now, his absence looms large, both on the pitch and in the narrative surrounding City’s struggles.
