The 2018/19 season was not a successful one for Kevin De Bruyne, even though Manchester City won all the domestic competitions last term.
The Belgium international suffered multiple injuries throughout the course of the previous campaign and therefore he only 11 starts in the league.
Having regained full fitness, he’s enjoyed a good start to the 2019/20 season, scoring once and setting up five more goals for his teammates in four league appearances. The 28-year-old was asked if he is in his ‘best period’ of his career so far.
“It is hard to tell that this is the best period out of my career so far. I have been playing over 500 games for eleven years now,” the player was quoted as saying by Het Laatste Nieuws.
“Was I ever better? Hmm. I started [the season] with City very well: Four wins in the Premier League and in the Community Shield. It also goes well personally. I’m ready for the rhythm of the coming months, with all those midweek fights.”
Belgium are without several of their first team regulars due to injuries and Pep Guardiola’s star is one of the few senior figures in the squad for the clash against San Marino and Scotland.
Roberto Martinez’s side are leading the FIFA rankings, while San Marino are placed in 211th spot. Despite their rankings, De Bruyne stressed the importance to show respect to their opponents.
“I respect every team. Everyone knows that San Marino is not the biggest team in the world. But that does not mean that you have to do tricks if you are leading 5-0. Otherwise you will feel even more embarrassed as a losing team,” he explained.
“It is up to us to push on until the end. That’s the only way you show respect for your opponent.
“Of course, It’s not nice to lose with a big margin, but at least you know that the team went out to make a difference with as many goals as possible.”
