Kevin De Bruyne, once a beacon of brilliance for Manchester City, struggled to make an impact in their 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at home. De Bruyne's decline in form has become a growing concern for manager Pep Guardiola, especially as De Bruyne has been a pivotal figure in past Manchester City vs Liverpool fixtures. Meanwhile, Wolves' Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has emerged as a surprising yet impressive force, showcasing his transformative performance with a key goal in Wolves' 2-0 victory. This juxtaposition of two midfielders' fortunes highlights the unpredictable nature of football.
In the match against Liverpool, De Bruyne appeared to be a shadow of his former self. Despite playing a key role, he failed to create any significant chances. This is a stark contrast to his previous performances in this high-profile fixture, where he was accustomed to being a standout player. His decline is further evidenced by a notable decrease in his chances created per 90 minutes this season. Historically, De Bruyne's chances created per 90 minutes fell below 70% only once over the past nine seasons, during 2018/19 when he was sidelined by two knee injuries.
De Bruyne's average speeds have also decreased this season, despite playing fewer minutes per appearance. This reduction in pace could be contributing to his inability to make the same impact on the pitch as he once did. Yet, he remains one of only six players this season to make a century of overlapping runs, underscoring his continued work ethic and ambition. Nonetheless, Guardiola's concerns are valid, as he has started De Bruyne in only 57% of the matches for which he was available.
"He was absolutely fantastic in the big moments in the game," remarked Gary Neville, highlighting De Bruyne's past prowess and the gap left by his current form.
In stark contrast to De Bruyne's struggles, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde has been a revelation for Wolves. His transformation has been a significant boost for the team, who had endured four consecutive losses before his emergence. Bellegarde played a crucial role in Wolves' recent 2-0 victory, scoring the opening goal and impressing in a deeper role against Aston Villa and on the right flank at Bournemouth.
"For me, Bellegarde was a fantastic surprise, he was excellent today," stated Vitor Pereira, praising the midfielder's unexpected rise to prominence.
Bellegarde's partnership with Andre in midfield against Aston Villa was instrumental in securing the win for Wolves. His ability to adapt and perform in different positions has given Wolves new tactical options and renewed hope for their season.
"He stopped the pass, looked for the cross and fortunately he did not find anyone because he went one-on-one and he got the finish," noted Oliver Glasner, emphasizing Bellegarde's decisive contributions on the field.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace has found a reliable specialist in Daniel Munoz, whose defensive diligence and attacking presence have helped turn their season around. Munoz's ability to create space for his teammates has been vital for Palace's recent improvements.
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