Kevin De Bruyne
NAPKey creator for Belgium
De Bruyne figures to be one of the most impactful players at the 2026 World Cup for Belgium, having been named in the squad as the undisputed creative engine of the Red Devils heading into the summer tournament.
Analysis: De Bruyne has shown flashes of his best form since joining Napoli, contributing five goals and two assists across 18 Serie A appearances while also generating 36 key passes and delivering 58 crosses including 39 corners, underlining his continued importance as a set-piece specialist and creative hub. The numbers are particularly impressive given that a thigh injury wiped out roughly half of his season, limiting his ability to build consistent momentum with his club. De Bruyne remains Belgium's most dangerous weapon and the player around whom coach Rudi Garcia builds his entire attacking system. His ability to dictate tempo, unlock defenses with incisive passing and deliver dangerous set pieces makes him a genuine difference-maker. Belgium have been drawn in a group that offers a realistic path to the knockout rounds, and De Bruyne's health and form will be the single biggest factor in determining how far the Red Devils can go. Getting him to the tournament fit after a disrupted club season was always the priority, and his inclusion in the squad confirms he has come through the thigh injury in good shape.
Dishes out helper in Udinese game
De Bruyne assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and four chances created in Sunday's 1-0 win versus Udinese.
Analysis: De Bruyne didn't start but came in very early for Alisson Santos and threaded the needle to set up Rasmus Hojlund's deciding goal, recording his fourth assist of the season. He created multiple chances in his final four displays, racking up 10. A massive thigh injury limited him to 21 appearances (16 starts). He put up five goals, four helpers, 30 shots (11 on target) and 40 key passes.
Picks up secondary assist against Pisa
De Bruyne (eye) created one scoring chance and had two crosses (two accurate), one tackle (zero won) and one secondary assist in 31 minutes in Sunday's 3-0 win over Pisa.
Analysis: De Bruyne was brought off the bench as he didn't have a clean week of training, with Eljif Elmas taking his place, but he contributed to the rout by starting the action that led to the final goal. He has posted at least one key pass in three consecutive displays, totaling six, scoring and assisting once and adding two shots (two on target) and three tackles (one won) during that stretch. Additionally, this marked his ninth showing in a row with one or more crosses, for a total of 32 (seven accurate). Instead, he interrupted an eight-game streak with at least one corner in this one.
Makes bench for Pisa tilt
De Bruyne (eye) is an option, but won't get the nod from the jump in Sunday's contest versus Pisa.
Analysis: De Bruyne will eventually make a cameo after being forced to skip one match because of a wound. Eljif Elmas is taking his place over Giovane between the lines. De Bruyne has scored and assisted once, in the same game, in the previous five rounds, adding four shots (three on target), 10 chances created and 22 crosses (five accurate).
Out to face Bologna
De Bruyne (eye) is out for Monday's match against Bologna.
Analysis: De Bruyne was labeled a late call just ahead of Monday's match and will miss out altogether, as the midfielder is suffering from an eye injury. He is a starter, so this does force a change, with Giovane working into the starting XI in his place. A return for De Bruyne is not known, although only two games remain in the season.
Questionable for Bologna match
De Bruyne might miss Monday's game versus Bologna because of a late minor physical problem, Sky Italy reported.
Analysis: De Bruyne picked up a small injury in the last training session and might be spared altogether. Giovane is currently considered the favorite to start next to Alisson Santos. Frank Anguissa and Matteo Politano would also be candidates to fill in if De Bruyne were ruled out.
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