Jamie Carragher thinks that one foreign player was better than the legend of Manchester City, Kevin de Bruyne, in the history of the Premier League.
De Bruyne announced that he would leave Etihad at the end of his contract in June, ending an illustrious fate of a decade which saw him win 16 trophies.
Since he joined Wolfsburg, the 33 -year -old has played an essential role in six Premier League titles, the triumph of the Champions League in 2023, two successes of the FA Cup and five victories of the Carabao Cup, all under Pep Guardiola.
He also scored 106 goals and scored 174 assists, cementing his place in the folklore of the club and among the best for having honored the high flight.
Before the City Derby trip to Manchester United on Sunday, Carragher took a look at the illustrious career of De Bruyne in the Premier League before insisting that only one foreign player passed him.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “ For me, he was the best player in the Premier League in the last four or five years.
Jamie Carragher says Kevin de Bruyne is the second best foreign player in the Premier League
De Bruyne confirmed that he would leave Manchester City at the end of the season
Carragher said that De Bruyne would be included in his start of departure from all time XI
“I think, in addition to Thierry Henry, he is the best foreign player we have seen in the Premier League. I would go so far as to say that.
“He would be done in my Premier League XI of all time. He is one of the greatest players we have ever seen thanks to our shores and play in our league. And not just the Premier League – we return there for so long.
“When Liverpool and Man City were head-to-face, going for league titles for what seemed to be four or five seasons, he made the difference. Liverpool could match City in all the other districts but this position, in terms of a attacking midfielder.
“When City obtained this side or two, I felt that Kevin de Bruyne was the difference.
The city’s boss, Pep Guardiola, paid tribute to De Bruyne after confirmation of his imminent departure, saying: “Sad day. Good day for the pleasure I live with him.
“What he gives us to all, his humanity and his influence in our success would not be possible without him. Part of us leaves.
“He is one of the largest in the Premier League, the fields of this country. You always have to be respectful for the players of Maine Road and the 20, 30 years.
“But come on, it is undoubtedly one of the biggest for sure.
Only Thierry Henry at the head of Bruyne on the carragher list of the best foreign stars in the league
De Bruyne scored 106 goals and won 16 trophies during his sparkling of the 10 year old city
“The doors are open for the rest of his life. Whatever he wants to do. The impact of some players transcends the field. He is one of them.
De Bruyne could complete his fate of the city by winning his 17th trophy in the FA Cup final. Guardiola’s side facing the Nottingham forest in the semi-finals in Wembley on April 27.