Kevin De Bruyne branded 'shocking' for Man City, did 'something you never see'

Kevin De Bruyne did “something you never see” for Man City in the game against Crystal Palace, according to Paul Merson.

The Belgian’s status in Pep Guardiola’s side has been in major focus since the Catalan left him on the bench for the defeat at Liverpool on 1 December, but after a match-winning turn in the victory over Nottingham Forest on 4 December he looks re-established.

Yet he shocked Merson live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday on 7 December when he took a terrible touch on the edge of the box and conceded a free kick instead of managing an effort on goal with the score at 1-1.

Merson said (3.42pm): “Just now, packed in the box, Kevin De Bruyne gets the ball, plays an unbelievable ball into the box to Savinho.

“Then he can’t take control, it comes out the box again, it comes to Nunes, Nunes plays it to the edge of the box to Kevin De Bruyne and he does something you never see.

“He has a shocking touch, ends up giving away a free kick.”

Pep Guardiola dismissed rift with Man City star

Football Insider opinion

Whether there is any disagreement behind the scenes between the 33-year-old and his manager or not he looks like being a vital part of the revival this season if there is to be one.

His future is unresolved as his contract ticks down and there are signs that this might be his final campaign at the Etihad.

But after an unprecedented seven-game run without a win as Guardiola was sent scrambling by extensive injury problems the Spaniard surely knows one of the best players in recent Premier League history is likely to be part of the answer.

But after going behind twice against Crystal Palace, where Oliver Glasner’s future has been called into question, there are clearly issues at the champions still.

De Bruyne’s goal and assist against Forest were a reminder of his enduring quality, even if the passage of play Merson described suggests he’s still going through inconsistency.

He played his part in Rico Lewis’ second-half equaliser so is bound to be more of an asset than a hindrance, but Guardiola will be desperate for his veteran star to avoid too man surprise errors.

In other Man City news, Guardiola has finally given Jack Grealish what he wanted at the Etihad.

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