Mateo Kovacic claims Man City team-mate ‘deserves to have a Ballon d’Or’

Mateo Kovacic has claimed his Manchester City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne deserves to have won a Ballon d’Or.

The Belgian provided another stellar showing on Tuesday as City beat Luton Town 6-2 in the FA Cup, with De Bruyne set up four of Erling Haaland’s five goals in the opening hour. Incredibly, the 32-year-old has contributed 11 assists in 10 games since returning from a five-month injury lay-off.

It’s a run that has been in keeping with De Bruyne’s performance levels over recent years and he’s been voted in the Premier League Team of the Season in each of the last four years, plus he has won the Premier League and FPA Player of the Year awards on two occasions each.

But there is one individual accolade that has eluded De Bruyne so far. “Kevin is amazing and a player who deserves to have a Ballon d’Or,” said Kovacic. “He’s playing amazing and for so many years. An amazing player, an amazing guy and very happy to have him with us.”

De Bruyne and Kovacic could play alongside each other in Sunday’s Manchester derby, a crucial game in terms of local bragging rights and the Premier League title race.

“We expect a tough opponent and a tough game, as always,” said Kovacic ahead of the clash against Manchester United. “We will be ready for them. We have a few days to prepare and recover. I hope we can get the win at home.

“The schedule is intense, but we are used to it,” he added when asked about City's packed fixture calendar. “They are always tough and intense games in the Premier League. It’s normal and we are prepared. 

Every game is like a final now and we have a tough schedule and big games. For now, we are looking at ourselves. We have it all in our hands and there’s still a long way to go.

“This team knows how to win – what they did last year was amazing and you want to have that feeling again. For sure, we will try our best to fight for all three trophies.”