Arsenal Vs Manchester City: 5 key players to watch

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City points during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Bromwich Albion at Etihad Stadium on January 31, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

2. Kevin de Bruyne

There is not a better player in the Premier League than Kevin de Bruyne. As a well-rounded, complete midfielder who can do every aspect of the game, even the less glamorous side like charging into tackles, pressuring opponents, tracking runners, remaining disciplined, the Belgian has elevated this City side to a historically great level.

Stopping him is not easy. He has the physicality and attitude to deal with defenders trying to ‘rough him up’. He is a wonderful passer of the ball, from wide areas, from a deep, quarterback-like position, or from in and around the penalty area. He is even a deceptively athletic player, with the energy and speed to outmanoeuvre opposing players. There is very little that he cannot do.

If Arsenal allow him to dictate the game, then they could see themselves pulled this way and that by his piercing, probing distribution. But if they choose to press him, then he has the awareness, speed-of-thought and quality to slip a pass around the corner and expose a now and vulnerable defence. If there is one player that Arsenal need to keep a hold of, it is de Bruyne, but that is much easier said than done.