Kevin De Bruyne has picked out one Lyon player as the main man behind their shock Champions League win over Manchester City.
The Blues midfielder had an average night in Lisbon, although he scored the equalising goal and had a much-improved second half.
And he received a consolation today, by being named the Premier League Player of the Year for a season where he equalled Thierry Henry’s assists record.
De Bruyne was hugely disappointed at City’s 3-1 defeat, but he named the Lyon star who he felt had done more than anyone to unhinge the Blues – his midfield opponent Houssem Aouar.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was praised by manager Pep Guardiola last season after Lyon beat City at the Etihad Stadium and then drew 2-2 in their own stadium.
That sparked a thousand transfer rumours – and De Bruyne made it plain how highly he rates the France under-21 international.
“Lyon have a great team,” he said. “I don't follow the French league as much as other leagues, but if I have to pick one player that has impressed me from Lyon, it would be Houssem Aouar. He was fantastic.”
City have no intention of buying an attacking midfielder this summer, but if the worrying defeat by Lyon causes a re-think, Aouar will certainly be on their list of possibles.
