Pep Guardiola names Lionel Messi Over De Bruyne as best passer he’s coached

Pep Guardiola has surprisingly snubbed Kevin De Bruyne for the top spot, revealing the best passer he has ever coached.

Ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Tuesday, Guardiola was asked if he has ever coached a player who can pass like De Bruyne.

The City boss lauded the Belgian as one of the top three passers he has worked with, but ultimately opted for Lionel Messi as his No. 1.

De Bruyne would take second place, ahead of other exceptional midfielders like Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and David Silva.

De Bruyne’s departure marks the end of an era for Manchester City, especially as they close out the 2024/25 season trophyless.

Since joining from the Bundesliga in 2015, the midfielder has won 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 2022/23.

De Bruyne has won 16 major trophies with City, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League.

Replacing him will be a tall order, with Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White on the shortlist as Guardiola looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Guardiola said: “There are players who are really, really difficult for many reasons, we know that. But the season we have done is the season we have done – we cannot deny it.

“Of course we have to move forward. Kevin will get what he deserves. That is the best compliment for his incredible trajectory.”

When asked if De Bruyne is the best passer he has ever coached, Guardiola responded: “One is Messi. And the other two, let me think about it…

“OK, let me put Kevin second. Messi is the best I have ever seen because Messi has done it really, really close to the box. But Kevin is there… the stats, the goals, the assists – that’s unique.”