‘Man City’s De Bruyne is the second best player in the world, behind Messi’

Football pundit John Hartson believes Kevin De Bruyne is the second best player in the world, only behind FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

The former Wales, Celtic, Arsenal and West Ham United striker, who was watching Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at home to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon, made this bold claim live on BT Sport.

After Belgium international De Bruyne set up Sergio Aguero for City’s opening goal, BT Sport pundit Hartson said exclusively on BT Sport Score, “I think De Bruyne, at this moment in time, is [the] second best player in the world, behind Messi.

“Tell me who is playing better than him in world football right now.

“De Bruyne is the best thing behind Messi, best in the world, right now.”

The 25-year-old has scored three goals and provided eight assists in 15 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this season.

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