“I have no doubt” – Kevin De Bruyne tipped for quintessential Manchester City positional alternate

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne could be set for a positional change in the future, according to Spanish legend Cesc Fabregas.

De Bruyne marked his Premier League return with a stunning cameo performance at St James’ Park last weekend, scoring a superb equaliser prior to assisting Oscar Bobb’s dramatic late winner against Newcastle United.

The 32-year-old featured in the Premier League for just the second time this season, with the Belgian international having been sidelined for five-months due to a hamstring injury.

De Bruyne underwent surgery after a recurring injury issue against Burnley on the opening weekend of the season, as the Manchester City star suffered another hamstring rupture.

The midfielder has impressed against both Newcastle and Huddersfield Town, and could be set for his first start since August next Friday, when Manchester City travel to Tottenham in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round.

Pep Guardiola will be hoping the return of De Bruyne can propel his side to a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title, with the Sky Blues also currently seeking to retain their Champions League and FA Cup crown.

As well as the long-term absence of De Bruyne, Manchester City have been without Erling Haaland for the past nine matches, meanwhile summer signing Jeremy Doku has also been sidelined due to injury.

De Bruyne’s remarkable return has led to discussions surrounding the 32-year-olds long-term future, with the Belgian having been at the Etihad Stadium since 2015 and out of contract in 2025.

Manchester City are expected to enter fresh contract talks with the midfielder, and former Premier League and Spain star Cesc Fabregas believes that De Bruyne could evolve to play a different position in the future.

“He’s one of these players that can adapt in future, when he starts losing physicality, speed, he will be able to play in [defensive] midfield, I have no doubt, a double-pivot for example next to Rodri and run things from there.

“Because that’s what special and intelligent players do when they get older and they are not as sharp as they used to be.”