Kevin De Bruyne ruled out for vital role in Manchester City squad by Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has ruled out Kevin De Bruyne as a potential option in a vital role within his future starting line-ups.

The Premier League champions have faced a number of challenges throughout this season, particularly in light of big-name injury and fitness problems that have led to major selection dilemmas for Guardiola and his coaching staff.

Whilst Oscar Bobb limited Manchester City’s attacking options whilst also opening the door for consistent opportunities for Savinho on the right and left of the club’s attack, it was Rodri’s season-long absence that would create the biggest challenges.

And since the Ballon d’Or winner left the first-team picture to undergo a lengthy recovery from a double-knee injury, Manchester City have been scrambling for solutions in the defensive midfield role, turning to the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan at various moments.

Quizzed during a recent press conference, Pep Guardiola was asked whether Kevin De Bruyne would ever be considered for the defensive midfield role within Manchester City’s system, particularly given recent struggles in the role.

“Kevin (De Bruyne) cannot play there,” Guardiola responded plainly. “I’ve been nine years with him,  and I know his attributes better than anyone else.”

The Manchester City manager continued, “He can play in some positions and drop deeper when we want to do that, but Kevin has another talent, and we need his energy up front.

“He is unbelievable in the final third and I want him there, leading that position.”

Manchester City may yet turn to the transfer market in order to find a more steady solution to their issues in the role, but with limited options available across the game, it remains as likely that Pep Guardiola may prefer to remain with his existing roster and players out of position.

The Premier League champions will be busy in the January market, as they continue to work on the triple signing of Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush, and Palmeiras’ Vitor Reis, while Real Valladolid’s Juma Bah appears to be one to develop fo future.