Kevin De Bruyne marked his return to form by inspiring Belgium to victory over Turkey and being named player of the match, before explaining why he feels more comfortable under Mark van Bommel’s approach.
The Belgium captain delivered an outstanding performance against Turkey after a difficult spell last season. His comments afterwards appeared to offer a pointed indication of his preference for an attacking style, although he did not mention Rudi Garcia by name.
“This style does suit me more,” De Bruyne said. “I have always been used to playing attacking football with intensity, and the players around me have a lot of energy, which pushes me forward.”
The midfielder also said he was in better physical condition than he had been during the previous campaign.
“I also feel physically stronger compared with last season, and that helps me perform at a higher level,” he added, in comments reported by French website Foot Mercato.
De Bruyne’s display came after a period in which he had faced criticism, but he said he was not motivated by the need to answer his detractors. Instead, he prefers to focus on his performances and remain demanding of himself.
“I feel tired, but it is great to have played three good matches,” he said. “At the start of the international break, I said that I was feeling good. Last season was difficult, and I hope I can continue in this way.”
De Bruyne insisted that outside opinions did not occupy much of his attention, pointing instead to his own assessment of his performances in training and matches.
“I do not think about it very much,” he said. “I am very critical of myself and I assess my behaviour in training and in matches. I am not the same player I was 10 years ago, but I can still make a contribution. I am enjoying my time, and that is the most important thing.”
His performance against Turkey suggested that the Belgium midfielder is gradually recovering the level that supporters have come to expect from him. It also underlined that his experience remains capable of making a difference for the national team.
