Manchester City midfielder Elliot Anderson says Kevin De Bruyne has been a player he has looked up to for the past 10 years.
Anderson, who joined Manchester City from Nottingham Forest for 135m euros in the current transfer window, spoke about the influence of the former City midfielder.
“For the last 10 years I have looked up to De Bruyne,” Anderson said.
De Bruyne spent a decade with Manchester City, representing the club from 2015 to 2025. The Belgium international moved to Napoli in Italy last summer after ending his time with the Premier League club.
Anderson’s comments underline the importance De Bruyne has had for a player now beginning a new chapter at Manchester City. Although their careers at the club do not overlap in the same way, De Bruyne’s long spell in the City midfield made him a prominent figure for Anderson to follow.
The Belgian joined Manchester City in 2015 and remained with the club until 2025. During that period, he was a central part of the side and became one of the most recognisable midfielders associated with the club.
Anderson arrives at Manchester City after his time at Nottingham Forest, with the transfer completed for a fee of 135m euros during the current transfer window. His move places him at the same club where De Bruyne spent the majority of the previous decade.
The new City midfielder’s admiration for De Bruyne is based on having watched the Belgian closely over that period. Anderson’s reference to the past 10 years covers the full length of De Bruyne’s Manchester City career, from his arrival in 2015 through to his departure in 2025.
De Bruyne subsequently moved to Napoli in Italy last summer. His transfer brought an end to his association with Manchester City, while Anderson’s arrival from Nottingham Forest provides a fresh focus for the club’s midfield.
The two players are therefore linked by Anderson’s stated admiration for De Bruyne and by their connection with Manchester City. De Bruyne’s time at the club has concluded, while Anderson has joined the squad in the current transfer window.
Anderson’s remarks came as he acknowledged the former City player’s influence on his own football development. Rather than identifying a range of players, Anderson specifically pointed to De Bruyne, saying he had regarded him as a footballing reference for the last decade.
The midfielder’s move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City was completed for 135m euros. De Bruyne, meanwhile, is now with Napoli after leaving the English club last summer following 10 years at Manchester City.