"The talent is really there" - Kevin De Bruyne hails Manchester City teammate who has 'exceptional quality' after win over West Ham

Kevin De Bruyne has heaped praise on Manchester City teammate Savinho for his performance in their Premier League match against West Ham United on Saturday (January 4). The Belgian midfielder reckons that Savinho is a talented player with an 'exceptional quality.'

Manchester City have won consecutive league games for the first time since October. They beat Leicester City 2-0 at the King Power Stadium on December 29, 2024, before defeating West Ham 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Savinho, who joined Manchester City in the summer, has been an important player for the reigning Premier League champions in their last two games. He scored his first goal for the club against the Foxes while also bagging an assist. The 20-year-old also created two assists against the Hammers.

After the match, De Bruyne was in awe of the Brazilian’s performance and waxed lyrical about him, saying (via TBR Football):

''The talent is really there. He started really well and it went a bit down with the whole team. It’s normal for a guy of his age, but he’s got exceptional quality so it’s good he gets confidence and makes a difference.''

He added:

''I think he had a lot of moments where he did really well, I think he started the season really well and then obviously, with us doing a little bit less, it was hard I think on him, you know, for a young player. Lately, it seems like he found a bit of confidence again and obviously, he’s scoring, last week, and helped and today, he had a really good performance so happy for him.''

Pep Guardiola says Jack Grealish must contend with Savinho to earn his place at Manchester City

After Savinho’s recent impressive performances, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said Jack Grealish must fight for his place in the team. Grealish has seen his playing time at the Etihad reduced, having played just six minutes in City’s last game — against West Ham United.

Savinho is gradually staking his claim in the wing position in Guardiola’s team. The Spanish manager recently said the Brazilian is currently better than his counterpart Grealish.

He urged Grealish to rediscover his treble-winning form with Manchester City and added that the English forward has Savinho to contend with for the wing position. Guardiola said (via Telegraph):

''I fought a lot for him [Grealish], fought a lot to be here – to say ‘come on, do it again, do it again’. I saw him, I saw your level and I want that, every single training session and every single game. If not, Savinho. Does anyone think Savinho doesn’t deserve to play? No. He deserves [it]. That’s why I play him because he produces."

He added:

"As much as he looks at himself, he will see the competition and he has to compete, himself. Savinho is in better shape and everything than Jack and that’s why I played Savinho. I want the Jack that won the treble? Yeah. I want it. But I try to be honest with myself for that.''

''What happened with Savinho’s delivery in the box? It’s higher than the other wingers in that position. And they have to fight. You have to prove ‘OK, I’m going to fight with Savinho, to deserve to play in that position’. And every single day, and every single week and every single month. Two weeks ago, Jack was injured and he needs rhythm and to play but players need training," he continued.

''I don’t have any doubt about the quality of Jack or any of these players. But they have to, right now, today at 3pm, be at your best. It’s not about what they have done or will do, it’s about 3pm. The one hour 30 minutes, or one hour, 45 minutes, we’re going to play, the responsibility belongs to the players, not to me," he concluded.

Savinho has scored one goal and provided eight assists in 25 appearances for Manchester City this term, while Grealish has only provided two assists in 19 games.