BBC pundit Garth Crooks has warned Manchester City they risk losing Kevin De Bruyne to Barcelona or Real Madrid if they don't treat him better.
The Belgian has been in scintillating form this season, scoring seven times and registering 12 assists in the Premier League.
With David Silva suffering injury problems and Bernardo Silva not at his best, De Bruyne has been the man to step up and carry City's creative burden.
Despite his best efforts, Manchester City trail Liverpool by 14 points, having also played a game more.
With Pep Guardiola's side so far behind in the title race, Crooks is insistent that Manchester City must do everything in their power to keep De Bruyne happy.
Guardiola has often substituted the 28-year-old this season despite his phenomenal performances and that leaves City at risk of the midfielder asking for a transfer, according to the former Manchester United man.
“I think it only fitting that my final team selection of the 2019-20 season includes the Manchester City midfielder who is, without a doubt for me, currently the best player in the country," Crooks wrote in his latest BBC Sport Team of the Week.
“The game against Sheffield United was almost as controversial as the fixture against Wolves for various reasons but De Bruyne seems above all that. He is a consummate professional.
“However, as Liverpool's grip on the Premier League title gets tighter with each game, City must treat this footballing genius with great care.
“Players like De Bruyne need to be winning trophies on a regular basis - receiving awards at the Ballon d'Or, and not being dragged off on a manager's tactical whim.
“And certainly, not when the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona are watching every move.”
