'One Of Best In Manchester City History': Pep Guardiola Hails Kevin De Bruyne

Pep Guardiola hailed Kevin De Bruyne as 바카라�one of the best players in the history of Manchester City바카라� after the Belgian scored two goals in their 4-2 victory at Crystal Palace. (More Football News)

De Bruyne cancelled out Jean-Philippe Mateta바카라�s early opener before Rico Lewis fired the visitors into the lead less than two minutes after half-time.

Guardiola바카라�s men then took control, with Erling Haaland adding another before De Bruyne struck his 100th in a City shirt in the 70th minute.

Odsonne Edouard clawed one back for Palace late on, but Guardiola praised the influence of Belgium playmaker De Bruyne as City kept up the pressure on Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.

City boss Guardiola said: 바카라�Today Kevin won the game. Without Kevin today maybe we would not be able to win, so when we talk about tactics, about managers, having players like Kevin in these kinds of games, it바카라�s easy.

바카라�I listen to him on the bus, in the locker room, in the training session, (he) laughs, and we are safe. His body language dictates a lot how he is, and all the players, but especially Kevin.

바카라�How many years has he been with us, nine years, 10 years? The numbers, the presence, the consistency have been amazing. He바카라�s one of the best players in the history of Manchester City.바카라�

De Bruyne told his club바카라�s website: 바카라�Yeah, it바카라�s funny. I had a conversation with Erling [Haaland] and Phil [Foden] and said the only goal I want is to score 100 before you guys.

바카라�Erling was like 18 behind but he would probably score that in two games.

바카라�It바카라�s a proud moment. It means that I바카라�ve had longevity here. It means a lot of good moments for this club.바카라�

City have a quick turnaround before facing Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night, and their boss admitted their crowded calendar 바카라� which will also see them face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals later this month 바카라� continues to prove challenging.

Guardiola added: 바카라�We were not solid like we normally are in terms of organisation, transition, but especially we gave away the first goal, but this is more a consequence for the fact that three days, three days, three days.

바카라�The mental energy that we waste more than physicality is tremendous and that바카라�s why sometimes that happens.바카라�

Palace have still won just one match since Oliver Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson in February.

They showed plenty of promise, particularly in a determined first half that saw Jordan Ayew hit the crossbar, but their boss wanted more from his men.

Glasner said: 바카라�For me it바카라�s a little bit difficult, because when you lose 4-2 I바카라�m never satisfied or happy with the result, but I could see many positive things today in our game.

바카라�We can see if we do our job, how we want to play on a very high level. We are competitive against any team and this gives me confidence again.바카라�