Guardiola puts Kevin De Bruyne at the height of Messi and Cristiano

Pep Guardiola is delighted with Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who has been crucial for Manchesteter City. And he's not shy about telling the world. The coach believes De Bruyne could be the man to break up the Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly on the Balon d'Or.

“No doubt (he can do it). But it’s not one game. It’s the whole season, every three days, playing that way. Every three games,” said Pep.

“He knows - and everyone knows - to be there, you have to win titles, and titles and titles. Especially one. The way he plays, it’s difficult to find one [better] in Europe.

“You have to be there in the latter stages. Without getting to the latter stages, you will not be nominated.”

Meanwhile De Bruyne said he was doing his best to help his team and if he won an individual honour it would be an added bonus.

“I do everything to win titles with the team,” said the 54-million-pound signing from Wolfsburg. “What happens after is an extra. I’m very pleased with the way everything is going for me.

“I’m playing this way because the team is playing this way. It makes it easier for me, it makes it easier for them. At the end, if you get an individual honour, it’s beautiful.”