Kevin De Bruyne was a notable absentee from Manchester City’s starting lineup in Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur. For the second time in City’s last three top-flight outings, De Bruyne was named among the substitutes.
The 31-year-old was introduced around the hour mark and created more chances than any other player, raising the question of why Pep Guardiola didn’t start him. The City manager was asked about De Bruyne’s treatment and told Sky Sports (h/t City Report): “Tactical, definitely.”
The Belgian international has made 27 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals with 17 assists. De Bruyne was indispensable earlier in the campaign but has started just one of City’s last three in the league.
De Bruyne was an unused substitute in City’s 4-2 home win over Tottenham (January 19), played 77 minutes in their 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers (January 22) and had 31 minutes in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham (February 5).
The 31-year-old hasn’t scored since October and has only managed two assists in his last seven league games, so Guardiola’s decision to drop him might be down to a lack of output. City next face Aston Villa on February 12 and De Bruyne should be recalled to the starting lineup.
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