Jamie Carragher snubbed Cristiano Ronaldo when naming the only foreign player in Premier League history that he believes has been better than Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne announced on Friday that he will leave Manchester City at the end of his contract in June.
The Belgian joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015 and is the last remaining player at the club from Pep Guardiola’s first Premier League squad as manager.
He has won 16 trophies with City, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown. Number 17 could be added by winning the FA Cup this season.
Only Ryan Giggs has more Premier League assists than De Bruyne’s 118.
According to Foot Mercato, he is in talks with Saudi Arabian second-tier side Neom, who are 10 points clear at the top of the table in their quest to play Saudi Pro League football next season. His future, however, is yet to be decided.
Carragher on De Bruyne legacy
Ahead of City’s Manchester derby clash against Manchester United on Sunday, Sky Sports pundit Carragher looked back on De Bruyne‘s career in English football.
And the Liverpool legend believes that only one foreign player surpasses the Belgian in Premier League history – but it is not Ronaldo or Mohamed Salah.
He said: “For me, he’s been the best player in the Premier League for the past four or five years.
“I think, besides Thierry Henry, he’s the best foreign player we’ve seen in the Premier League. I’d go as far as to say that.
“He’d get in my all-time Premier League XI. He’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen grace our shores and play in our league. And not just the Premier League – we’re going back however long.
“When Liverpool and Man City were head-to-head, going for league titles for what felt like four or five seasons, he was the difference.
“Liverpool could match City in every other area but that position, in terms of an attacking midfield player.
“When Manchester City got that edge by a point or two, I felt Kevin De Bruyne was the difference.”
Where does Kevin De Bruyne rank in terms of the greatest foreign players in Premier League history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Featured Image Credit: Getty / Sky Sports
Topics: Jamie Carragher, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City, Premier League
