Feature

Shearer: De Bruyne needed only 21 minutes to show his genius

23 Jan 2024
PL2324-AS-TOTW-MW21-LEAD-V2

Premier League's record goalscorer hails Man City star's St James' Park cameo as he names his MW21 XI

Related Articles
Why De Bruyne's unique skillset is so important to Man City
Watch: The best of Kevin De Bruyne
Premier League weekend review: What we learned

Not many players get into Alan Shearer's Team of the Week on the back of only 21 minutes of action, but not many players are as good as Kevin De Bruyne.

The Belgian's return from injury a week ago was a special moment, as he spurred Manchester City to come from behind to a 3-2 win at Newcastle United

The midfielder came off the bench in the 69th minute with champions starting at a 2-1 defeat at St James' Park. Within five minutes he scored a sensational equaliser from 25 yards. Then, in stoppage time the brilliant De Bruyne picked out Oscar Bobb with one of his trademark eye-of-the-needle passes for a last-minute winner. 

As a result, he earns a place in the Team of the Week selected by the Premier League's all-time top scorer and Hall of Fame inductee.

PL2324-AS-TOTW-MW21-16x9

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)
“Two great saves to earn his clean sheet. Especially, the one-on-one to deny Dominic Calvert-Lewin.”

Nelson Semedo (Wolves)
"A game-saving tackle, among others, to prevent Brighton from scoring.”

Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
“A solid defensive display and gave nothing away, stopping Bournemouth from scoring for the first time in 11 matches.”

Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal)
“A man-mountain at the back. His threat on set-pieces resulted in a goal and assist.”

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
“Where would Chelsea be without the youngster? He stepped up again to steer his side to victory."

Rodrigo Bentancur (Spurs)
“Great finish and bossed the midfield at Old Trafford in the second half.”

Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)
“Twenty-one minutes of genius is all De Bruyne needed to drag his side to a win, with a wonderful goal and assist."

Diogo Jota (Liverpool)
“Who needs Mohamed Salah when he’s in this form?!! Two clinical finishes and an assist, to cap off an outstanding performance."

Rasmus Hojlund (Man Utd)
“Best display in a Utd shirt, and a thunderous strike for the goal.”

Ivan Toney (Brentford)
“Welcome back. He gave Brentford the edge they've been missing with a brilliant free-kick.”

Darwin Nunez (Liverpool)
“Two great finishes that highlighted Liverpool’s ruthless attack.”

Manager: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
"His half-time changes at Bournemouth made an instant impact." 

Latest Videos

More Videos