In 2021, Ex-Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne hired data analytics company Analytics FC to assist him in finding his real value in his team. Significantly, that was the first time a player commissioned a house like Analytics FC. Using the Goal Difference Added (GDA) performance model, they evaluated the player’s impact made by every single touch in any given match.
The findings of the report were stuffed off “Meta Details”, demonstrating his worth to the club as City offered a new five-year contract (£104 million) to him.
Now we are at the end of the 2024-25 season, where he is set to leave Manchester City after not being offered a new deal to extend his stay at the Etihad. Media houses across Europe burst with rumours that which City will be KDB’s next residence.
What’s Next for Kevin De Bruyne?
In today’s post-Cruyffian era, individual players are more cautious about systems where they will find a better fit. The 33-year-old decorated midfielder already “showed the cause” how much and why he is so conscious about data and fundamentals of the club. Rejecting the big cheques from Saudi and US clubs, KDB already cleared his vision to stay in Europe.
Several English clubs like West Ham, Aston Villa are indicating interest in him, but the strongest connection has been made with the Italian side Napoli, which recently won their 4th Scudetto title. Although last week, when a journalist asked about his future in England, he stated, “I am open to anything”.
How strong are Napoli rumours?
On June 30, De Bruyne will become a free agent, so far, he will not join “Team Pep” for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Napoli Chairman Aurelio revealed he has talked, while claiming KDB bought a house in the region.
As per Italian Outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport, he will earn £ 21 million from the move and £8 million on a signing bonus. Whilst it’s a huge cut off for the midfielder but Kevin wants comfort on the field too.
Can He Fit in Antonio Conte’s system?
Though nothing is confirmed yet but we can assume for a little while that he will come to Naples using some basic principles. Even though there is popular buzz that Conte can leave Napoli but for the moment we can imagine things to find KDB’s fit.
Conte highly relied on vertical and quick transitions, wide overloads, and late runs into the between-the-lines. Off the ball, he goes with compact, mid-block to low block, whereas with the ball, there is a rapid vertical progression. Using the grids on the field, he can form multiple combinations.
The only thing that shocked me is that for more than ten years, he played in a controlled game model. Now in Conte’s system, he has to do quick moves as there is no buildup at all. Conte might set him as ‘trequartista’. Multiple possibilities though available as he might play at a free role almost like Eriksen (late Inter). Abilities like press from the front would be asked to him to contribute the transition.
A option of inverted winger setup is also obtainable where he may fit as a hybrid right forward as Kuluseveski at Spurs. KDB could drift inside while the wing back overlaps thats some how he used to when playing for Man City.
But we have to remember that speculation might be true of the Italian manager’s departure as he threw some tough demands to Napoli board.
How Much does KDB’s coming affect McTominay?
Kevin De Bruyne is an elite advanced creator, whereas McTominay has played box to box or as a late runner. If someone put both of them on the field, then the Scottish midfielder could play as a ball winner or third midfielder, covering KDB’s advanced runs.
Kevin dictates the tempo of the game, and McTominay makes late runs into the box to score. He can help to cover the gaps or, as a destructive 6, deputize as a double pivot.
Not so good in possession-based games, but a real gem in the quick transition model.
Conclusion
Behind every rumour, we have to admit that these days players self-handily check data for their own comfort and career longevity. There is less chance of exploitation as the player already has the data on what he should or should not.
Now it depends on Kevin as he will go or not, but we have a little assumption about what can happen next if he moves to Italy.
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