“I didn’t really expect it” — Kevin De Bruyne reflects on first Manchester City start since August

Kevin De Bruyne made a major impact in his first start for Manchester City since picking up an injury in August, helping his side cruise past strugglers Burnley 3-1.

The Etihad Stadium crowd was overjoyed Wednesday evening when the Belgian’s name landed in the starting lineup 60 minutes before the Premier League showdown with Vincent Kompany’s side.

The midfielder appeared to hardly have skipped a beat after nearly six months out of the team after re-injuring his hamstring in August, registering an assist while running the show for the Premier League champions.

That assist saw De Bruyne move to third all-time on the Premier League assist books with 104, sitting behind only Ryan Giggs and Cesc Fabregas.

Speaking after the match, De Bruyne reflected on his performance, but was quick to admit that he will still require some time to get back to full fitness.

“Yeah, I’m happy, it’s been six months,” De Bruyne said.

“I’ve been working really hard, I’ve been training for a long time, obviously I’ve been coming off the bench three or four times now, I can’t really remember.

“But I felt pretty good. I think that I feel a little bit tired now, but I think that’s normal. I think I still need a couple more games and minutes under my belt.

“But I’m happy with the way that I am performing. I probably didn’t really expect it after being out for five or six months. But you know, it’s a good thing.”

De Bruyne will get plenty of chances to get back up to speed as Manchester City face a bust month of February, playing seven games before the end of the month.

Next up for the is a trip to west London to square off with an injury-riddled Brentford side in the Premier League.

The Etihad outfit currently sit five points behind league leaders Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp’s men dismantled Chelsea Wednesday evening. Pep Guardiola’s side do have a game in hand over the Anfield outfit however.