"He has the potential of reaching those highs" - When Roberto Martinez named the player who can match Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Former Belgium boss Roberto Martinez claimed in 2017 that Kevin de Bruyne has the potential to reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Martinez stated that the Manchester City midfielder could match the standards of Messi and Ronaldo if he performs consistently.
Suggesting that the Manchester City midfielder is on the right path, Martinez told ESPN in an interview at the Belgium national team's training facility:
"Absolutely (he can). I think when you can see the players that you mention (Messi and Ronaldo), obviously you (have to) become consistent with your performance in order to reach that level. That happens over the course of a few seasons."
He further added:
"The level of performance that Kevin is having this season (and) the level of performance he had last campaign shows you that he has the potential of reaching those highs. And there are not many players that you could say that about."
Playing for Manchester City, Kevin de Bruyne solidified his place as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. Playing 422 appearances for the Premier League giants across all competitions, the Belgian midfielder scored 108 goals and provided 177 assists.
Only behind Ryan Giggs (162), the 33-year-old has provided the second most assists in Premier League history (119). The departing club captain has won six Premier League titles, five EFL Cups, two FA Cups, the UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and two Community Shields with the Etihad outfit.
After a decade in Manchester, the Belgian midfielder is set to leave the club this summer.
When Kevin de Bruyne was asked to pick between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the player he would play alongside
Kevin de Bruyne was asked to pick between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the player he would prefer to play with in 2023. Messi and Ronaldo have dominated the sport for almost two decades, and choosing one favourite is always a tricky task.
However, the Manchester City icon faced no such issues. The 33-year-old revealed that he would choose to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Lionel Messi.
He explained that the Portuguese attacker fits the frame for a No. 9 while Messi plays more like a playmaker, which is Kevin de Bruyne's preferred position. He said (via SportBible):
"I would probably say Ronaldo because he's more of a typical striker. Messi is still more of a playmaker. I am a playmaker, you can give me a striker,"
After leaving Europe, Lionel Messi currently plays for MLS side Inter Miami. Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo captains Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
