Kevin De Bruyne names Man City's unsung hero that sums up task facing Arsenal

Manchester City’s midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne has sung the praises of ‘unsung hero’ Erling Haaland as the club edges closer to an unprecedented fourth consecutive league title. The Norwegian striker has netted a staggering 38 goals this season, edging his side ahead of Arsenal in the title race.

Despite Phil Foden clinching the Football Writer’s Footballer of the Year award and Rodri being lauded for his brilliant consistency in midfield, it’s Haaland who has somewhat gone under the radar considering his ridiculous debut season.

Haaland’s debut season was nothing short of sensational, smashing in 52 goals in 53 matches and helping City to a treble. Replicating such a feat was always going to be a tall order.

Yet, Haaland has been nothing short of prolific in the Premier League, bagging 27 goals so far, including a brace in the crucial 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, putting City on the brink of another title.

With the final match against West Ham looming at the Etihad Stadium, Haaland is poised to surpass the 40-goal mark, despite being sidelined for two months due to injury.

Leading the race for the Golden Boot with a comfortable five-goal lead over Cole Palmer, Haaland’s phenomenal scoring record has not gone unnoticed by teammate De Bruyne, who applauded his consistent high-level performances.

De Bruyne highlighted the challenge of living up to last year’s astronomical standards, stating: “The season he had last year and the numbers were so incredible and ridiculous.

“But he’s now on 27 goals and probably going to win the Golden Boot again. It’s incredible. He’s been amazing again and he’ll always do what he does. For Player of the Season, if I look at our team, I’d say either Phil or Rodri, because of their importance.”

“There are also some really good players in other teams at Arsenal, there’s been a few, and Ollie Watkins has been amazing for Aston Villa.”

De Bruyne believes City deserve ultimate respect for getting to the brink of a record-breaking fourth title in a row. Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions have a two point lead over Arsenal heading into Sunday’s final round of fixtures.

Victory over West Ham will see City retain their crown and become the first side to win four in a row something that proved beyond Sir Alex Ferguson’s great Manchester United sides.

De Bruyne stated: “You have to appreciate what you do throughout the whole year to be in this situation. People always talk about trophies, but we work for 11 months to get to this situation and if you don’t enjoy it along the way, what does it really mean?

“That one game, if we win or don’t win, it’s not going to change how I feel how well we did this season. I know there’s a lot of talk afterwards, but the way I see it is that this team has done incredible after the successes we’ve had in the last few years. It’s credit to the whole team to be in this situation again.”

Reflecting on the transformation under Guardiola, De Bruyne remarked: “When I came here, it was a very different team. I would have never expected to win five titles, or all the things we have done. It’s been pretty incredible.”