Kevin De Bruyne has disputed his new speed rating on EA FC25 as he declares himself faster than Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva, Soccernet.football reports.
Belgium international De Bruyne is widely known for his exceptional passing range and visionary playmaking at Manchester City, but what many might overlook is his deceptive speed.
The former Chelsea midfielder, often praised for his footballing brain, has proven time and again that he can outrun opponents when needed. Although his quickness is not the first thing people associate with him, those who have faced him on the pitch have highlighted just how fast De Bruyne can be.
Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney once described De Bruyne as a “powerful boy,” noting his ability to “run past people” with ease.
West Ham’s Michail Antonio has also shared his own experience, recalling how, in a game against City, De Bruyne closed down a large gap in a flash to get right next to him.
It’s this kind of explosive pace that sets De Bruyne apart when City are on the counter-attack, allowing him to surge forward, bypass defenders, and either set up a teammate or take a shot himself.
Speaking to Manchester City’s in-house media, De Bruyne expressed surprise at his downgraded pace rating on EA FC25, which had dropped from 72 to 67.
He joked that despite this, he’s still faster than teammate Bernardo Silva, who was rated higher in the game. “But even by five, I’m still slower than Bernardo [Silva]. Imagine that. I eat him in a race,” De Bruyne quipped.
While Bernardo Silva is renowned for his footballing intelligence and smooth movement on the pitch, De Bruyne’s explosive speed — especially with the ball at his feet — gives him the edge in a footrace.
Jack Grealish even once described Silva as “so slow.” Despite Silva’s brilliance, De Bruyne’s pace remains a weapon for City, particularly when launching quick transitions.
Though neither player is famous for blistering speed, De Bruyne’s ability to drive past defenders and Silva’s footballing brain make them a deadly combination in Pep Guardiola’s side.