Manchester City’s ideal XI following the January window

Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne has been excellent since returning to England with Manchester City, and will be a key player for the club for many years to come.

The Belgian international left Chelsea in 2014 in a bid to reach his full potential, and a fine season at Wolfsburg where he netted 16 goals in 51 games saw City splash out £55 million on him in 2015.

And, it has been money well spent as the 25-year-old scored 16 goals in his first season at the Etihad and, although he hasn’t been as prolific this term, his tally of nine assists is the most of anyone in the Premier League thus far.

A fine display against Tottenham on Saturday was demonstrative of De Bruyne’s quality in the important matches, and City will need his attacking prowess and creative intelligence as the season progresses, and indeed for many seasons to follow.