Pep Guardiola likens Kevin de Bryune to fine wine after brilliant UCL display

In a sport where youth and speed are often prized above all, de Bruyne's evolving game defies conventional wisdom, proving that experience and intelligence can elevate a player's contribution on the field, as pinpointed by his manager Pep.

De Bruyne scored the first goal in City’s 3-1 win over Copenhagen in the first leg of their round of 16 Champions League match, making him the fourth player to score at least 10 goals in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League since 2019-20, along with Karim Benzema (17), Erling Haaland (13) and Robert Lewandowski (11).

"He’s getting better, like good wine! He’s maybe a Brunello di Montalcino or Sassicaia,” Guardiola told Sky Sport, as reported by Fabrizio, drawing a parallel between de Bruyne's finesse on the pitch and the elegance of some of Italy's finest wines. 

Much like these prestigious wines, which improve with age, de Bruyne continues to enhance his performance, showcasing a blend of tactical awareness, vision, and precision passing that few can match.

Guardiola further emphasized de Bruyne's unique role in the team, stating, "He’s returned very fresh in his body but also in his mind. His contribution is always special, Kevin is special”. 

This remark sheds light on the Belgian international's ability to rejuvenate and maintain a high level of performance, even amidst the gruelling demands of professional football. 

De Bruyne's "special" contribution lies not only in his ability to score and assist but also in his leadership on the field, inspiring his teammates and often being the difference-maker in crucial matches.