Martinez labels De Bruyne the ´most incredible playmaker in world football´

Kevin De Bruyne is the “most incredible playmaker in world football” according to Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez.

The Manchester City midfielder dazzled with a goal and an assist in Belgium’s 2-1 win over Wales in the Nations League on Thursday.

De Bruyne, who is the reigning Premier League Player of the Season, also had a first-half shot hit the post.

“It’s a message for all our fans, don’t take for granted watching Kevin De Bruyne play,” Martinez told reporters. “For me he’s the most incredible playmaker in world football at this present time.

“His way of seeing the game, his way of seeing the time and space and then the execution in front of goal.

“I thought his performance was magical today. But he’s been doing that, I look back at Poland [1-0 win in June], at home, he’s been doing that consistently. Sometimes I look at him, we’re so lucky to have a player like Kevin.”

The 31-year-old’s 2021-22 Premier League Player of the Season gong was the second of his career, also earning the honour in 2019-20. He currently leads the Premier League with six assists this term.

The former Wolfsburg, Werder Bremen and Genk midfielder has had a decorated career, starting with winning the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2014-15.

More recently, De Bruyne is a four-time PFA Premier League Team of the Year member and has helped City to four Premier League titles. He also won the 2019-20 Champions League Midfielder of the Season.

The Belgian was named as one of the nominees last month for this year’s Ballon d’Or with the winner to be announced in October, having finished eighth in 2021.