De Bruyne, praised by Guardiola as ‘one of the greatest, greatest, greatest players of all-time for this club’, was at his supreme best in the Round Four victory over the Reds, setting up two goals in the Etihad Stadium encounter.
And Guardiola was delighted with his efforts on the memorable night.
He said: “Today was outstanding.
“Kevin has been eight years here. He just needs sometimes to find the right fire inside of himself, you know, to be a little bit, I would say, I don’t know, grumpy or upset to play his best.
“He had to put the energy inside of him. When this happens, what a player. The runs, the fight, assists, score goals. He is a model player.
“I know it’s not easy to find every three days this consistency but in the important games, like today was, it has something inside say: ‘I’m going to do it, I’m going to be contact, I’m going to fight.’ When this happens, it’s Mr Kevin De Bruyne.
“What can I say? Eight years has done everything for this club. He is absolute legend. He will be remembered forever one of the greatest, greatest, greatest players of all-time for this club.”
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