It would be rare to see someone mention Roger Federer and Kevin De Bruyne in the same sentence. Both players have made their own identities by playing their respective sports. However, it seems like the Manchester City superstar’s performance against Crystal Palace evoked new praise from ex-Crystal Palace boss Ian Holloway. In fact, Holloway was so impressed with De Bruyne that he compared him with Roger Federer, of all people!
Talking on Matchday Live alongside Ex-City defender Steve Howey, Ian Holloway was over Kevin De Bruyne’s screamer against Crystal Palace. After all, it was a thing of beauty. Expressing his thoughts, Holloway noted, “For me, the technique to do that with your best foot is genius. He did it with his wrong foot, really. But the ball from Jack [Grealish]. How Jack dragged it back, played it into Rodri. Rodri, his first touch set up, and I mean, it was on a plate for him. But he struck it so sweetly. And to be honest, if the net wasn’t there, it would probably still be traveling and hit Manchester by now.”
The former Eagles boss then added, “He struck it so cleanly, for me, he’s just your total footballer. Absolutely beautiful to watch. A bit like Roger Federer in tennis. Everything he does is so sweet and well-timed. He makes it look easy.”
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Former Palace boss Ian Holloway joined us on Matchday Live at the weekend – and had this to say on @KevinDeBruyne's strike! 🚀
Watch from 18:45 (UK) tomorrow night ahead our #UCL visit to Madrid 📺 pic.twitter.com/wkvSAKr3Dn
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 8, 2024
Holloway’s surely not exaggerating, as Kevin De Bruyne put on a masterclass against Crystal Palace, enabling Manchester City to pick up a 4-2 win. The game also saw the Belgian etch his name in Manchester City history books, with the star reaching a coveted milestone following his move to the club in 2015.
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Kevin De Bruyne records in 100th goal for Manchester City
The game against Crystal Palace saw Kevin De Bruyne displaying why he is Manchester City’s best soccer star. The Belgian playmaker put on a showcase as he bagged two goals in the second half to help his team get past the finish line while bagging the Player of the Match award. While the award was special, De Bruyne’s first goal from the game meant a lot to the Belgian midfielder as he registered his 100th goal in City’s colors. With this, Kevin De Bruyne is now the 18th soccer player who has scored over a hundred goals for the English club.
READ MORE: Manchester City and Manchester United in Transfer Tussle for Bundesliga Defender: Report
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De Bruyne arrived at Manchester City in 2015. Since he came from Wolfsburg, the Belgian has established himself as a cornerstone for the club. The playmaker has played a crucial part in the team’s triumphs in the past nine years. It seems like the Belgian has no plans of stopping anytime soon, as he, alongside his fellow City teammates, chases another historic treble.