RUSSIA 2018: City players’ Group stage schedule
Squad role: Belgium are blessed with some truly world class players and Kevin De Bruyne fits firmly into that category.
The City playmaker is arguably the Red Devils’ most important creative influence, even with the excellent Eden Hazard alongside him in midfield.
De Bruyne is rated as indefensible both by his Club manager and by Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and unless injured or rested, he is likely to play every minute of his nation’s World Cup.
Expect him to be given a relatively free licence when Belgium attack, but adopt a holding midfield role when the opposition attack
READ: World Cup Player Focus #1: Sergio Aguero
International highlights: KDB has scored one World Cup goal prior to this tournament - a 93rd-minute added time strike against the USA in a Round of 16 contest in 2014.
Earlier in the tournament, he assisted one goal and was named man of the match against Algeria.
At Euro 2016, De Bruyne played every minute of Belgium’s five matches, meaning he has now amassed more than 14 hours of major tournament football.
