De Bruyne assists two goals in victory at Selhurst Park as City maintain Premier League title challenge
Sunday 14 April 2019 19:05, UK
Pep Guardiola hailed Kevin De Bruyne's recent form for Manchester City as "incredible", and said he is able "to see passes that the rest of human beings are not able to see".
De Bruyne, who has struggled with injuries this season, impressed in City's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
He played a brilliant pass through to Raheem Sterling for the opening goal, and also assisted Gabriel Jesus' late third.
Asked if De Bruyne was close to his best after returning from injury, Guardiola said there is "no doubt about that".
"The last three or four games, he's been incredible the way he played," added the City boss "We had missed him a lot."
"He has that ability and vision to see passes that the rest of human beings are not able to see. With him, our pace and our passes in front in the final third from his passing is incredible."
"Today he was so committed, defending, winning duels to be in that position. Of course, he is fresh mentally, and his legs too in that situation. That is why, not just for the two assists that were so important, but for all the other situations that we needed, he is so important for us in winning the game."
City's win over Palace saw them move to the top of the Premier League table, but Liverpool returned to the summit with victory over Chelsea.
City have five games left to play in the league while Liverpool have four remaining.
De Bruyne told Sky Sports: "We know if we don't win the Premier League people will say it's a failure, but we can only try and perform well, and even if we don't make at the end, I think we will have had a great season, but we obviously want to win and we will see how far we go."
City next face Tottenham in back-to-back games as they meet on Wednesday in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final and then again in the Premier League on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
"We have to focus on Wednesday, because it's coming quickly again, and try to play a good game," said De Bruyne. "It's all or nothing on Wednesday, so hopefully we can perform well and win the game."
