'A TOP PLAYER'

Antonio Conte says Kevin De Bruyne is a ‘complete player’ and ‘doesn’t know’ how Chelsea let him go

Joe Miles

Published: 13:19, 1 Oct 2017

KEVIN DE BRUYNE returned to Stamford Bridge to score the match winner in Manchester City's 1-0 victory over Chelsea.

Blues boss Antonio Conte hailed the Belgian with praise after the bout and questioned his club's decision to offload the 26-year-old.

The Belgian celebrates his match winning goal at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty - Contributor

Conte has applauded the 26-year-old's ability following the Chelsea fixtureCredit: Getty Images - Getty

De Bruyne's 67th minute strike secured three points and made it eight straight wins in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's men.

The Belgian proved why his former employers were wrong to sell him with a thunderbolt volley past national team-mate Thiabaut Courtois.

His goal now means that he has been directly involved in 15 goals in his last 17 league appearances for the Citizens.

The 26-year-old was sold by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho to Wolfsburg in 2014, before switching to City for a fee of £55million in August 2015.

After suffering the 1-0 defeat at the Bridge, Conte said: "I don't know honestly, what happened in the past.

"But for sure we are talking about a top player. He's a really good player, a complete player. He's good technically, fast."

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City chief Pep Guardiola insists that the Belgian is an integral figure within his squadCredit: Rex Features

The City squad celebrate De Bruyne's sublime strike against the Blues

City's victory moved them back above Manchester United in the Premier League standings on goal difference.

Following the departure of Manuel Pellegrini from the Etihad, the Belgian has adopted a deeper role within the well-knit Citizens side.

Blues boss Guardiola said: "He can do absolutely everything.

"With the ball, he's a guy who can play different positions, go to the channels, assist long or short.

Jose Mourinho offloaded De Bruyne during his second spell in charge at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty - Contributor

"After, without the ball he's most humble, the most shy guy. He says if I have to run 100 kilometres for the team, I will do that. It's not easy to find that with this kind of talented player.

"That's why he's one of our captains. I think he makes [City] take a step forward and people feel comfortable having him on the pitch."