Wayne Rooney appeared as a pundit ahead of Belgium against Ukraine at Euro 2024 – and admitted there is one Manchester City player he would simply love to play with.
Manchester City have a plethora of amazing players these days.
Without doubt, Pep Guardiola is in possession of one of, if not the best squad in the world.
There are so many fantastic technicians, and fans have been very lucky to watch some of these players at their peaks at the Etihad Stadium over the years.
One man who has dazzled at City for many years is Kevin De Bruyne, who was the subject of some chat ahead of the game between Belgium and Ukraine.
The attacking midfield is widely regarded now as one of the all-time great midfielders – and Rooney admits that he would have just loved to share the field with him.
Wayne Rooney hails ‘dream’ Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne
De Bruyne has enjoyed a very good start to the Euros.
He looked a little jaded at times for City towards the end of the 2023/24 season, and was regularly outshone by his teammate Phil Foden.
But he’s started this tournament very positively indeed, and Rooney has been impressed.
The England legend on BBC Sport said ahead of Belgium against Ukraine: “He’s such a good player. He’s a player I’ve always looked at and thought I’d love to play with Kevin De Bruyne.
“He’s got every range of pass you’d want in a midfield player.
“He’s one of the best players in the world and he would be a dream to play with.”
Rooney praise says it all about KDB
This is high praise indeed from Rooney, who is obviously one of the all-time great strikers.
For him to say this about De Bruyne is a major compliment, and it’s likely many other stars of the past would say the exact same.
De Bruyne is a magician. He is capable of doing extraordinary things, and he must be a striker’s dream with the kind of passes he can play.
City fans will hope that De Bruyne can sustain his high levels for as long as possible.
Recently, there has been a bit of talk about him perhaps moving to Saudi Arabia. City are reportedly not intending to open new contract talks with the player this summer.
It would be a real travesty if he left. He may be about to turn 33, but he is clearly showing at the Euros that there is plenty left in the tank.