Following Chelsea’s disastrous start, it is more likely than not that the thought of having sold Kevin De Bruyne would have crossed the mind of Jose Mourinho. How much ever he might justify his actions and say no regrets, it will probably eat him alive that his loss was the gain of direct rivals Manchester City.
To be fair one could even consider his sale of Juan Mata and Petr Cech to Manchester United and Arsenal have helped them kick up a step but De Bryune can be considered as his biggest blunder of the three. Not only has he strengthened the strongest squad and the biggest threat to the Premier League title, he has also left many wondering what if.
Here are the numbers. Four goals and five assists in nine games this season and 10 goals and 22 assists for Wolfsburg last season. Arguably the 24-year-old could just walk into any team across Europe. But to say the Portuguese was at fault completely would be folly, for the young Belgian who left his club was hardly the assist machine that he turned out to be.
The move to Wolfsburg was the best thing that could have happened to De Bruyne as it gave him minutes under his belt and confidence to reach his potential, which his previous coach one said was above Eden Hazard.
For City, it was a move worth spending as they have perhaps one of the best passers in world who can pick the final ball with unerring precision while having the pace and balance to run at people. It not only puts the opposition under pressure but also bring int play a right foot that can find the net from range.
What De Bruyne also brings to the table is a more balanced look to their line-up. He adds more to the team with his ability to track back and do the dirty work.
At the moment it might look like a reasonable deal for a young star who has his best years ahead of him, even at the price. But at an age when transfer prices have skyrocketed, it might just be one of the smartest deals the club has made since the riches started pouring in. Only time will tell.
