Kevin de Bruyne Second Only to Lionel Messi: Pep Guardiola

Kevin de Bruyne put Premier League leaders Manchester City ahead with a clever 15th-minute free-kick beneath the defensive wall and also played a part in goals for Kelechi Iheanacho, Raheem Sterling and Ilkay Gundogan. 

Kevin De Bruyne is second only to Lionel Messi, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said on Saturday after the Belgian inspired his team to a 4-0 win over Bournemouth. 

"Maybe Messi can sit alone at the table. But that table aside, Kevin can stay there," Guardiola told reporters at the Etihad Stadium. 

"I think he's a special player, an outstanding player. He makes everything. Without the ball he is the first fighter and with the ball he's clear. He sees absolutely everything. 

"He decides what you have to do at the right moment every time. Every time he makes the right decision. That's why he is a player at another level.