Kevin De Bruyne’s future role at Manchester City may have become clear against Plymouth Argyle | OneFootball

Kevin De Bruyne put in a good performance for Manchester City during their 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle at the Etihad on Saturday. The Manchester City legend put himself about on the pitch and scored a goal and grabbed an assist during City’s win. But De Bruyne’s performance and role against Plymouth Argyle did also provide a glimpse into his future role at Manchester City if does stay at the club after this season.

Kevin De Bruyne started City’s fifth-round FA Cup tie against Plymouth and got through the full 90 minutes. There was an energy to De Bruyne’s play, which in fairness, has been there throughout his play recently. But the City legend showed that he still has the quality when required to make an impact. He provided an assist for Nico O’Reilly’s equaliser in the first half. De Bruyne also got on the end of an Erling Haaland ball to put the game to bed in the 90th minute. It was a good sight to see De Bruyne rewarded for his graft at the Etihad on Saturday.

The way De Bruyne played does provide a clue as to where he could fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. De Bruyne is in the final stages of his current contract with Manchester City. For next season he could be a player to start in cup games and make an impact off the bench. De Bruyne could also provide guidance for Manchester City’s younger players both on and off the pitch. That appears to be the role for De Bruyne if he does remain at Manchester City after this season. That was clear to see after his performance against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

On that front, Simon Mullock has reported for The Mirror that Kevin De Bruyne is aiming to play in his third World Cup in 2026. Due to this fact, the Manchester City legend is willing to accept a reduced role in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. Furthermore, Mullock reports that De Bruyne feels that staying at Manchester City provides him with the best opportunity to stay in the best physical and technical condition for the 2026 World Cup. You add Mullock’s report to how De Bruyne played at Plymouth Argyle and you can now see how he would fit into Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season.