Kevin De Bruyne has jumped to the defence of Manchester City team-mate Kyle Walker after he was branded an “idiot” by Roy Keane.
The City duo line-up against each other as Belgium and England face off in the Nations League on Sunday.
But despite their international rivalry De Bruyne has stood by his City pal, labelled an “idiot” and a “car crash” by Keane after Walker handed Liverpool a penalty in their 1-1 draw a week ago.
“From the moment that Kyle came to the team at City he's been one of the most constant performers with us," said De Bruyne.
“He is never injured he plays all the time, he's reliable and he's a really good defender. I think the job that he does is a really good one.
“Obviously every position is different you can't compare the work that Kyle does to say what Trent Alexander-Arnold does at Liverpool.
"But there's a reason why he's playing all these years at this level for all these teams.
Where does Kyle Walker rank among the Premier League's best right-backs? Have your say here.
“It means he's been really good no matter what Roy Keane says. Keane's a different man and everyone knows that but that's okay! Kyle will take it on the chin and be fine with it.”
De Bruyne picked up the assist for Gabriel Jesus' equaliser in the draw with the Reds after Mohamed Salah opened the scoring for the visitors from the penalty spot.
It took his tally to seven assists in 10 games this season, but the 29-year-old missed a golden opportunity to put City ahead at the end of the first half as he dragged a penalty wide of the post.
After the clash with England, Belgium host Denmark while the Three Lions welcome Iceland to Wembley in more Nations League action.
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