Crowning KDB the Player of the Year, speedy Leroy Sane and a potential new role for Fernandinho – it’s your Saturday media round-up…
First up we have to begin with Kevin De Bruyne.
Robbie Savage has recently hailed KDB as “irresistible” in his recent Mirror column, and the ex-Liverpool midfielder is keen for the Belgian to be named Player of the Season.
In his column, Savage writes: “In a sky full of stars, Kevin de Bruyne has shone the brightest – and that’s why he is my Player of the Season.
“It seems incredible, in a year when Mo Salah has scored 36 club goals and Harry Kane has hit 35, that neither of them might win the PFA’s coveted accolade for 2017-18.
“But as players across the country prepare to cast their votes, I can’t escape the glow of a Blue Moon cast by Manchester City – and especially the irresistible De Bruyne.
“In a team which has often taken your breath away, De Bruyne has been simply outstanding in every respect: 11 goals from midfield, 19 assists, wicked set-piece delivery, weight of pass, angles, mobility and tempo. What’s not to like?
High praise for our midfielder indeed!
Savage also mentioned fellow Blue, Fernandinho, in his recent newspaper column.
“The under-rated Fernandinho, who does so much unsung work in midfield. I’ll tell you how good Fernandinho is now: He would get in the Real Madrid or Barcelona side,” Robbie added, which brings us swiftly onto our next headline…
James Robson of the Manchester Evening News believes that there could be a position in the backroom waiting for Fernandinho once his playing career comes to an end.
“The midfielder is so highly thought of at the Etihad it’s believed he could remain in some capacity after he retires,” Robson states in the MEN. “As well as being a pivotal figure for Pep Guardiola’s Premier League leaders, Fernandinho is also among the most influential personalities off the pitch.
“Guardiola identified his value almost immediately after taking over at City in 2016.
“He approved of a new contract back then, which was eventually signed in January.
“City’s manager has enlisted the help of Fernandinho to talk to transfer targets, such as Gabriel Jesus and Ederson, as well as aid his fellow Brazilians in acclimatising to life in Manchester.
“That is a measure of the confidence he has in the former Shakhtar Donetsk player and raises the potential for him to become a part of City’s coaching staff in the future.
“City did likewise with Patrick Vieira, who coached at academy level after finishing his playing days, eventually taking over at sister club New York City FC.
“Vieira’s remit is to try to follow the footballing principles of City and is considered a potential future manager at the Etihad.
“Fernandinho could follow a similar path with a more hands on position at the club, or a role within the City Football Group.”
READ: Our international round-up
WRITERS PANEL: Goal of the season so far
Finally, we finish up with speedy Sane! The German has displayed his pace on the pitch time and time again as he flies down the wing looking almost impossible to stop! And now the Premier League have confirmed that Leroy is the quickest player in the top flight.
“Manchester City have been setting the pace at the top of the table for the past six months, so it seems apt that they have the quickest player in the Premier League,” they write on their official website.
“Leroy Sane was clocked travelling at 35.48 km per hour during September’s 1-0 win at Chelsea.
“That is the quickest sprint in the PL since records began in the 2013/14 season.”
Unbelievable – what a record for Sane!
That’s all for your Saturday media round-up, but we will be back tomorrow with more City news, gossip and headlines from the back pages…
