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On the Shortlist
Kevin de Bruyne is in the running for another prestigious award.
The Manchester City midfielder has been nominated for UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for the 2019-20 season.
The other nominees include Bayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer and his teammate, striker Robert Lewandowski.
Last season’s numbers
De Bruyne had an exceptional season for the Citizens in 2019-20.
The Belgian tied the record for assists in an EPL season with 20.
He also scored 13 goals in 35 EPL appearances.
His playmaking skills helped the Blues become the third highest scorers in the Champions League last term.
He’s also the first city player to win PFA Player of the Year.
The number 17 proved he can step up on the big stage of Europe as well.
He put on a masterclass in the round of 16 versus Real Madrid with a goal and an assist at the Bernabeu.
In a season most City fans would call disappointing De Bruyne was exceptional helping the Blues win a third straight Carabao Cup.
Slim chance?
While De Bruyne was exceptional last season the odds of him winning may be slim.
The main reason is who the Belgian is up against.
Robert Lewandowski had 15 goals in just 10 Champions Leagues matches last season.
The polish striker scored 34 goals in the Bundesliga in just 31 games.
In total he had 55 goals in a mere 47 games.
He was a big reason Bayern won the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League.
Manuel Neuer also had a stellar season for Bayern. The German keeper had six clean sheets in the Champions League and 15 in league play.
Neuer’s ability to make big saves at critical times was evident in the final against PSG.
What others say about him
Win or lose De Bruyne’s earned the respect of players, fans and coaches the world over.
“He is a masterclass player, one of the best players I have ever trained in my life.”
Man City manager, Pep Guardiola.
“I’ve never worked with a playmaker that can work at a faster pace than the game.
[De Bruyne] sees the pass even before any spectators see it.”Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez.
The winner will be announced on October 1. (JSL)
