De Bruyne praises ‘superstar’ Foden
Three days later, their roles reversed at Selhurst Park as De Bruyne struck his 99th and 100th goals for the club on his return with two stunning efforts, while Foden was an unused substitute.
After the match, De Bruyne spoke highly of his fellow midfielder and praised him for continuing to raise the bar at Man City.
“These guys keep me on my toes, I don’t expect to just be given my place,” De Bruyne told TNT Sports.
“I know sometimes it’s hard and people talk about longevity but if I don’t perform well I won’t play.
“Phil has been amazing this season so he deserves it and it keeps me on my toes to give me that little push.”
De Bruyne has taken Foden under his wing since the 23-year-old made his debut in 2017 and feels the England midfielder has grown into an “established superstar”.
“I just try to be an example of the way I am on the pitch,” De Bruyne said.
“I’m not really the person who is going to tell somebody how to live their life or something because that’s a very personal thing, but I try to give my best from day one.
“I’ve been with Phil for about seven years so I don’t really feel he’s a youngster anymore, he’s an established superstar in our team, he’s been here that long. He’s just amazing.”
In a repeat of last season’s semi-final against the 14-time champions, current holders City will look to protect the crown that confirmed their status as treble winners.
De Bruyne hinted that he would rather go back-to-back in Europe than win four Premier League titles in a row, an achievement that has never been accomplished before.
“I don’t really know, it’s hard to choose,” De Bruyne admitted. “Maybe the Champions League.
“It’s hard to say, but I’ll take any. I’ll take any.”
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