FC Schalke 04 2-3 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points

#4 De Bruyne gradually improving

de Bruyne produced an accomplished display from a creative role as City probed and pressed Schalke

It's clear Kevin de Bruyne has been gradually improving and returning to 100% match sharpness after a troublesome season plagued by injuries. The Belgian is City's creator-in-chief - alongside David Silva - and was the Citizens' best player last season. So missing someone of his importance was always going to have an adverse effect on their creativity, even with their strength in attacking depth.

This performance was precisely the type which suggests he's getting back to his best. Under Pep Guardiola's guidance in recent seasons, the 27-year-old has done more from deeper roles to create chances for his teammates and does so in a subtle way which is often overlooked if you're not actively looking out for his individual displays.

On this occasion, the plaudits will go to his teammates - namely Aguero, Sane and Sterling - as they were the goalscorers in a must-win match. But they couldn't have done it without his cutting-edge quality and although he's not at 100%, he's getting closer.

A game-high five key passes completed, 93 touches (joint-high with Fernandinho), one tackle, block, clearance and two interceptions recorded before being replaced late on for Oleksandr Zinchenko. Not bad.