Pep Guardiola hails Kevin De Bruyne as 'one of the best players' he has ever seen after Manchester City's win

De Bruyne ran the game in midfield for City as they beat Feyenoord 4-0

Guardiola was delighted after his side slaughtered Feyenoord (Getty)

Pep Guardiola hailed Kevin De Bruyne as “one of the best players” he has ever seen after another masterful midfield performance from the Belgian.

De Bruyne ran the game in midfield for City as they beat Dutch champions Feyenoord 4-0 in Rotterdam this evening, collecting yet another assist.

He set up John Stones’ second goal with a precise cross from the right, similar to his cross from which Gabriel Jesus headed in against Liverpool on Saturday. He is in the form of his life and Guardiola sung his praises this evening again, pointing to his all-round mastery of every aspect of midfield play.

“Kevin is one of the best players I have ever seen in my life,” Guardiola said, “in terms of how he can make absolutely everything, everything. He is a top, top quality player. We are so proud and so happy he is with us.”

De Bruyne started last season excellently before dipping after Christmas, but Guardiola said he detected new resolve in him recently, which he hopes can continue. “He’s a stable guy, so professional, he loves to play football, lives for that and is focused on that,” Guardiola said.

“Maybe last year he had a little bit up and down, maybe because we didn’t win too many games when we deserved to. But this season, since the beginning, in pre-season, not just in the States, and in Manchester, he is so stable.”

Guardiola was delighted with the contribution of Stones (Getty)

Guardiola was also delighted with Stones, who headed in twice, as well as looking assured in defence in a comfortable evening for City. “There is no doubt about his quality,” Guardiola said. “Of course his two goals are important, John knows the gap he has to improve as a footballer.

Defensively, in the duels, he has to win those situations, especially in the Premier League which is so demanding. When he will be able to achieve that – and don’t forget he is so young – he will become an exceptional central defender.”

Finally Guardiola was impressed with a City performance that was the perfect possible start to their Champions League campaign.

“The most important thing,” he said, “was the way we did it. We didn’t speculate. We did not go back, we were aggressive without the ball, with the ball it was clear, with the quality of players in the middle, we had legs to run in the sides.”