‘Few in the world’ - Pep Guardiola gives Kevin De Bruyne verdict as Man City midfielder returns

Pep Guardiola said he is ‘delighted’ to have Kevin De Bruyne back after the midfielder registered an assist in his first appearance in nearly five months.

The midfielder came on with just over half an hour remaining in Manchester City’s FA Cup win over Huddersfield Town and provided a late assist for Jeremy Doku’s goal in the 5-0 rout. De Bruyne looked sharp and his introduction was perhaps the biggest cheer of the afternoon at the Etihad.

His importance in the side was also underlined when the City players immediately headed to De Bruyne to celebrate the fifth goal, rather than Doku. Speaking after the game, Guardiola claimed it was clear how ‘people love him’, while adding he there are 'few in the world' like the Belgian.

"He played really good minutes," claimed the City boss. "We thought it was better to play the second half than the beginning when the game was more tighter in the spaces, it was so difficult to find.

"They defend so so deep and really well organised, compact. Second half there were more spaces and played more in our intentions. It was really good and now what I said before, he needs to accumulate training sessions, more than games. Still he is not for 90 minutes but Newcastle [next week] he have another chance and after two weeks to make good training in the second part of the season in Abu Dhabi.

"We are incredibly delighted he is back because Kevin helps to win games and there are few in the world. I'm not saying play good or better. We can play good in terms of football-wise. But win games, Kevin, [Erling] Haaland, these guys win games, Phil [Foden], Julian [Alvarez]. That's why it's so important to have him back.

"I am pretty sure Kevin felt how people love him and other people are in love with him. It will be eternal, this mutual respect will be forever.

"I know he can handle the pressure but I don't want to put the pressure on Kevin's shoulders because it is not fair for him," Guardiola added. "He has to be part of that. We know each other for a long time. He has a special special special ability to do something that is not easy to find.

"Kevin is exceptional, he is unique. First we are really pleased he's back, a long time with surgery. His first minutes, the quality of the assist for the Jeremy goal. It's really good to have him back."