After five months out with a hamstring injury, the Belgian midfielder came on as a second half substitute to a huge ovation in our 5-0 FA Cup third round victory over Huddersfield Town.
On what was his first appearance at the Etihad since last May’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, De Bruyne got straight back into the groove, providing a wonderful assist for fellow substitute Jeremy Doku’s fifth goal.
And for former City and Scotland striker Dickov – a special guest on Sunday’s edition of Matchday Live – De Bruyne’s return was a timely reminder of his talismanic qualities.
“When Kevin came on, I was intrigued to see whether he would just manage his way for the next 25 minutes or so and feel his way back into the game,” Dickov reflected.
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“But it was as if he’d never been away! Everything he does is forward.
“He never once wants to get the ball and take a touch and go sideways.
“He’s always looking forwards and his assist for Jeremy Doku’s goal was a prime example of that.
“It’s absolutely brilliant to see him back and looking as fit and as strong.
“Ally Mann said in commentary on CITY+ he looked really quick but that’s in his head - that’s his football brain.
“It was just wonderful to see him again.”
Dickov’s excitement at the return of the inspirational Belgian was echoed by former City skipper Andy Morrison, our fellow special guest on Sunday’s edition of Matchday Live.
And for Morrison, De Bruyne‘s cameo helped illustrate the unique quality and vision that has been the hallmark of his inspirational City career.
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“Everyone smiles when they see Kevin and that doesn’t happen with every player… it only happens with unique talents,” Morrison pointed out.
“He’s a world class performer who we have been deprived of for six months and now he’s back it’s an absolute breath of fresh air.
“Every time he gets the ball, he wants to create something - he wants to make things happen.
“And he made things happen from the moment he came on.
“It just reminds you again of what an incredible footballer he is.”
On what was a day filled to the brim with positives aplenty, there was also the sight of five Academy graduates gracing the Etihad.
Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb and Rico Lewis all started the game while Micah Hamilton and 18-year-old Jacob Wright, on what was his senior debut, came on from the bench in the second half to impressive effect.
And for Dickov, the sight of so many young homegrown players only further emphasised the magnificent conveyor belt of talent being produced by City’s famed Academy.
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“As regards the young players, they are on there for a reason they are not just out there to make up the numbers, they are on the pitch as they can make a difference,” Dickov pointed out.
“I thought young Jacob Wright for an 18-year-old looked so assured in everything he did after coming on for his debut.
“His weight of pass, he was firing balls into people, he was breaking things up.
“Micah, we know what he is like since the Red Star Belgrade game. Oscar, I thought was great and obviously Rico and Phil are now like the elder statesman of the five of them!
“It’s great for the fans to see all the players coming through as that is what Manchester City fans want.
“The club has always had a great history of bringing players through.
“When the owners took over and built the CFA and the Academy it was never going happen overnight - it was going to take six, seven or eight years for that [bringing the next generation through] to come to fruition - but we are seeing it now.”
