Kevin De Bruyne named in FIFPRO World XI

Prestigious accolade rounds of a fine year for the Belgian playmaker

Kevin De Bruyne has been named in the 2020 FIFPRO World XI it was revealed last night. The accolade, which is voted for by professional footballers across the world, caps off a fine year for the Belgian midfielder.

“It’s a great honour to be recognised in this way by other professionals,” De Bruyne told mancity.com.

“To be included in a world XI by players who are competing against you to be the very best is a huge achievement and one that is very humbling.

“I go out every game trying to set the example for the guys around me and hopefully this shows that I did that over the last 12 months.

“I think my performances have been good and they’ve also been consistent which is an important measure for any professional footballer.

“The aim is to use this individual success and turn it into more trophies and titles with both club and country.”

Pep Guardiola added: “All of us here at Manchester City are happy and proud Kevin has been selected in this incredible team containing the best XI players of the year.

“His vision, speed of thought, the detailed way he sees the game and his technical quality mean he possesses everything a top midfielder needs to excel.

“We are lucky to have him at Manchester City.

“Being named in a world XI voted for by his rivals says everything you need to know. It is further recognition of his ability and shows the respect he has throughout the game.

“It is a pleasure to coach someone who is so professional and such nice person. His lovely parents should be so, so proud.”