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Kevin De Bruyne: Rio Ferdinand reveals why he loves Belgium and Man City star
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Rio Ferdinand has expressed his love for Manchester City and Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne.
De Bruyne played a large part in Manchester City’s record-breaking Premier League title win last season.
He led the way with the most assists in the league and was second only to Mohamed Salah for the PFA Player of the Year award.
De Bruyne has impressed so far for Belgium at the World Cup, with Roberto Martinez’s side reaching the last-16 stage by winning all of their Group G matches.
Ahead of tonight’s clash with Japan, Ferdinand was analysing what he enjoys most about watching the 27-year-old.
Belgium vs Japan LIVE: World Cup score updates
What I love about him as well, in this team, he’s a trigger a lot of the time when they press the ball
“He’s the assist king in the Premier League,” he said of the Manchester City man on BBC One.
“This guy is such a joy to watch, a great footballer, plays off both feet, balance.
“But what I love about him as well, in this team, he’s a trigger a lot of the time when they press the ball.
“Here you see it, and you’ll see more clips of that.
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“But once he does receive the ball, his first option is to kill the opposition.
“He could go safe with that pass there, but no, he plays for the jugular to get in towards goal.
“That’s what you want from your midfielders when they’re playing the attackers through, that’s why they make the runs once he’s on the ball.”
De Bruyne was on the winning side against Japan, as Belgium scored a stoppage time winner to progress with a 3-2 victory.