Sunday 17 December 2017 09:55, UK
Pep Guardiola was left speechless by Kevin De Bruyne’s performance against Tottenham and said the Belgian is an inspiration to the club’s younger players.
De Bruyne scored a goal and won a penalty in a man-of-the-match display in City's 4-1 win over Spurs which helped Guardiola's side extend their record-breaking run to 16 consecutive Premier League wins and go 14 points clear at the top.
The 26-year-old has been sensational for City this season having been involved in 14 goals in his 15 Premier League appearances since the start of September.
And Guardiola has heaped more praise on City's £54.5m club-record signing, having previously said he is "one of the best players" he has ever seen in his life.
"I want to say thank you to all of my players, especially Kevin for the fact he is one of the most talented players," the Spaniard said.
"You see him how he runs without the ball, he's a good example for the young players and for our academy, for Phil Foden, for Brahim (Diaz), they know how good Kevin De Bruyne is.
"When they are outside and see how he runs and fights without the ball, that is the best example and he helps us to be a better club, a better institution for the future."
De Bruyne was on the end of a poor challenge from Dele Alli but the former Chelsea man recovered to score a minute later and Guardiola was in disbelief at De Bruyne's display.
He said: "His performance today, I have no words, no words to describe what he has done with the ball, how many assists, and his ability to switch play.
"All the time he's using his head, and overall, without the ball, he's able to make pressure 40 metres to the goalkeeper.
"And when this happens the people who are behind him are like 'If that guys runs like this, I have to run as well' and after that a team like Tottenham who are able to play so good we are able to minimise the situations because every time (Christian) Eriksen or Harry Kane receives the ball in that position they are always trembling."
