Kevin de Bruyne Masterclass Sparks Manchester City Comeback at Newcastle

The latest Manchester City news is that Kevin de Bruyne, sidelined for the last five months due to a hamstring injury sustained on the opening week of the season, registered a thrilling comeback at Newcastle, showcasing his playmaking prowess, turning the game on his head with a swift equalizer and a dazzling assist for the winning goal in the final minutes on Saturday.

The midfield maestro expressed his joy at being back on the pitch.

De Bruyne’s absence left a void in the City midfield, evident in their early-season struggles. His comeback journey started in the FA Cup tie against Huddersfield earlier this month, where he set up a goal, hinting at his imminent impact in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old came off the bench at St James’ Park, erasing a 2-1 deficit within minutes. His contribution against Newcastle surpassed all expectations.

After the engaging encounter, De Bruyne told TNT Sport, as per BBC Sport:

"I enjoyed myself. It was crazy. I missed this. I had a big injury and I needed the time."

Speaking on his performance, he added:

"I think it was more willpower than anything else. I know I'm not able to do that for 90 minutes at the moment. I can put in a shift for 30 minutes. I feel it in my lungs, especially with the cold. I've never experienced this. I worked really hard and had to change a couple of things. When you play all of the time, it's very hard to change things."

The match on Saturday witnessed City’s remarkable turnaround, with De Bruyne’s individual brilliance stealing the spotlight.

The equalizing goal showcased not just his technical abilities but also the resilience built during his recovery. The subsequent lobbed pass to set up the winner was a testament to his vision and playmaking skill.

"The beginning [when you get injured] is a big blow but I'm not someone who stands still. I enjoyed myself being able to do things I could never do. I worked hard to come back,"

- continued De Bruyne

"I know I need to keep working hard and get sharpness."

The Belgian international’s potency to change the game in a short stint on the field emphasized his significance to Manchester City’s pursuit of a fourth consecutive Premier League title.

De Bruyne’s return adds a new dimension to their campaign. His influence remains the key factor in solidifying City’s dominance in the league as well as in Europe.