Kyle Walker reveals the two players ‘in the same bracket’ as Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker believes only two players can be ranked alongside Kevin De Bruyne.

The 32-year-old midfielder marked his Premier League return at St James’ Park last weekend, making just his fourth appearance of the campaign during the thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle United.

De Bruyne helped secure a vital three points for Manchester City; scoring a sublime equaliser within minutes of being introduced, before a stunning long-range pass to assist Oscar Bobb’s 90th minute winning goal.

The midfielder had been absent since August, having undergone surgery for a recurring hamstring injury, following a fresh setback during the first-half of the opening Premier League game of the season.

De Bruyne was also forced off during the first-half of the UEFA Champions League Final in June, but has been training with Manchester City’s first-team for a matter of weeks, prior to featuring against both Newcastle and Huddersfield.

The Belgium international has scored one goal and registered two assists over the course of two cameo showings, with the midfielder’s return a welcome boost to Pep Guardiola, as Manchester City bid to retain the Premier League title.

De Bruyne’s remarkable performance at Newcastle has drawn huge attention, with the midfield star seeking to further cement himself as one of football’s greatest players.

And according to teammate Kyle Walker, only Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo compare to De Bruyne.

“I think there’s only certain players, the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, that you can say are in the same bracket as Kevin – Kevin goes into that bracket for me,” said the Englishman during the FIFA Best awards.

“When he came on against Newcastle, you could feel that push, you could feel that energy and that excitement. He gives you a lift and Kevin is at his best when he’s on the ball playing passes that you don’t think are even visible to play.”

City, who have also been without star striker Erling Haaland since December, return to action against Tottenham in the Emirates FA Cup on Friday 26th January, with De Bruyne in contention to make his first start since a five-month absence.