Former Newcastle United defender Philippe Albert believes Manchester City superstar Kevin de Bruyne needs to find his form for Belgium. The playmaker has been in stunning from for his club this season, but has been unable to re-produce this for his country.
Speaking to RTBF after last night 1-1 draw with the Netherlands, Albert said De Bruyne has become something of a Jekyll and Hyde player when it comes to playing for Manchester City and then Belgium.
“De Bruyne is a bit Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde if you compare with what he shows at City. His second half against Barcelona was just brilliant, but with the Red Devils Martinez lets him play in a different role.
“He must adapt to the team. Guardiola has made De Bruyne at City his central pawn, the situation with the national team is completely different. I hope he adapts, because we need the De Bruyne from the World Cup in Brazil for qualifiers. Since then he seems to stagnate a little with the national team. I really hope from the bottom of my heart that he finds his best level in Belgium,” said the former Newcastle United star.
De Bruyne has been one of the standout players in the Champions League and in the Premier League this campaign. However, the attacking midfielder had a poor Euros in the summer when it was obvious he wasn’t fully fit, and has continued to struggle when playing for Belgium since Roberto Martinez came in.
De Bruyne started the game last night, but was brought off in the second half. Belgium generally played poorly and De Bruyne certainly wasn’t standout bad.
