De Bruyne has the utmost respect for Jurgen Klopp’s men, who have proven themselves to be City’s key rival over several seasons.
But, rather than looking too intently at the threats of the Merseysiders ahead of Sunday’s 16:30 (UK time) match, the Belgian playmaker called for his team-mates to focus on their own performance at Anfield.
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He said: “We have started the season really well, so our focus is on our performance and to try to ensure that we continue our good form.
“We will do what we always do which is focus on ourselves. You have to be on the top of your game in any Premier League match to win and it will be no different on Sunday.
“The level in the Premier League is so high and this is only increasing every season. If you drop your level and you don’t play to your best, you don’t win games. It is as simple as that.
“We are proud of our consistency, but it takes so much hard work on the training ground every day to maintain this standard. I hope we can continue it.
“In these kinds of games, you have to be strong in defence and take your opportunities when you get them. That is exactly what we will try to do.”
City are in fine form in the top-flight, currently sitting in second spot after an unbeaten start, one point behind Arsenal at the summit.
Liverpool, on the other hand, lie in 10th place and their tally of 10 points from their first eight matches represents their worst start to a league campaign since the 2012/13 season under Brendan Rodgers.
De Bruyne dismissed notions of the Merseysiders being a spent force by hailing them as a ‘top side’ who will provide a ‘huge test’ at Anfield.
He added: “Liverpool have a top side and we are under no illusions that Sunday is going to be a huge test for us.
“It is true that they haven’t quite reached the same level as previous seasons so far, but they are so dangerous and have so much quality all over the field.
“They are a brilliant team and have the quality to hurt you at any time during a game.
“Winning 7-1 away from home at Rangers in a very tough competition on Wednesday shows how dangerous they are.
“When you play against top players, they will always be a threat. But I am sure they think the same about us.
“They have had a few injuries and a few difficult results so far this season, but it will be a challenging and intense game on Sunday like it always is against them. We are really looking forward to it.
“Anfield is always a tough place to go, but we have won there before and have come close to winning on numerous occasions.
“Our fans will get right behind us as they always do. We will give everything to try and secure the win to send our fans home happy, as we do in every game that we play.”
