Manchester City require a substitute for Kevin de Bruyne, but who should it be? The figures indicate that these 10 playmakers are quite alike in their playing styles.
We examined FBRef for alternatives in Europe's top five leagues that share similar traits to De Bruyne. Specifically, being extremely imaginative and forward-thinking with their passing.
Several of these players have already been associated with City, so the statistics genuinely reflect the truth.
10. Florian Wirtz [Bayer Leverkusen]
Last week, the term used for Wirtz was ‘ideal’; he’s youthful, he’s an exceptional player, he seems prepared to advance to the Premier League, and Pep Guardiola reportedly is a huge admirer. So substantial, in fact, that he is prepared to accept the £94m expenditure required to acquire the incredibly skilled German, who is on track for double digits in Bundesliga goal contributions for the second consecutive season.
9. Julian Brandt [Borussia Dortmund]
More than ten years ago, he was associated with Manchester City, but he is no longer the rising star he once was; his prominence has diminished to the extent that he is now on the outskirts of the German national team, and his next transfer is more probable to be to Werder Bremen than to City.
8. Vincenzo Grifo [Freiburg]
Um, no. He’s 32 and in a strong run of form, but his goals are focused on assisting Freiburg in securing a Champions League position rather than joining Manchester City to succeed one of the Premier League's all-time greats.
7. Iago Aspas [Celta de Vigo]
Class is forever and all, but the guy is 37.
6. Raphinha [FC Barcelona]
This is intriguing. While Raphinha mainly sees himself as a winger, his advanced passing and set-piece skills keep his statistics comparable to De Bruyne’s; however, his remarkable showings—especially in the Premier League—have positioned him as a frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or. Nevertheless, there remains a feeling that Raphinha can be transferred by Barcelona, with Chelsea and Man City being among the teams interested in him. Return, buddy. Get down on your knees.
5. Lee Kang-in [Paris Saint-Germain]
Connections have been made with City, as well as Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, and more. Evidently not getting sufficient playtime at PSG – they boast an impressive roster of attacking talents – but it seems quite a significant jump to succeed De Bruyne.
4. Heung-min Son [Tottenham]
Approximately seven years overdue for this.
3. Rayan Cherki [Lyon]
This is something we appreciate. He has 18 assists across all competitions this season, is just 21, and appeared to be an exceptional player during that intense Europa League loss to Manchester United. The Reds are reported to be keen but presented a 'disgraceful' bid. Arsenal have shown interest as well, but any approach from Manchester City would undoubtedly outweigh all others. Do you aspire to become the next Kevin de Bruyne? Oui, évidemment.
2. Cole Palmer [Chelsea]
Ah, the tasty irony. Would they accept him again? He never intended to depart initially. Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips believes that Liverpool and City have both been interested – he could enhance both squads – but what would the cost be? Something absurd that has likely already excluded Real Madrid.
Simply avoid assessing him based on his present state; he is shattered.
1. Paulo Dybala [Roma]
There have been discussions about a Manchester United bid, but he is up for grabs for only £10m, making him an attractive option for City even at 31. He has dropped in the hierarchy this season, but just last year he recorded 13 assists in Serie A.
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