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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Nathan Bliss

Man City star Kevin De Bruyne's incredible rise in FIFA Ultimate Team

Man City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is widely considered to be one of the best players in world football, but it's been a hard journey to the top.

De Bruyne's journey in becoming an elite midfielder began at Belgian side Genk, before moving on to some of Europe's top clubs and finally landing at one of the continent's best in Man City.

So just how much has he improved since his early years as a footballer? And why was his name simply 'Bruyne'?

We've used previous editions of popular football game mode EA Sports FIFA Ultimate Team to track his progress through the years.

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Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 10 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 10 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

De Bruyne was simply known as 'Bruyne' in FIFA 10 Ultimate Team as he burst on to the scene as a youngster at Belgian side Genk.

With a passing attribute of just 56 out of 100, De Bruyne was merely a bronze card - and possessed a real baby face to boot.

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 11 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 11 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

Things got a little better for De Bruyne in FIFA 11 Ultimate Team, with various attribute upgrades.

His card was also upgraded from bronze to silver.

He was still called 'Bruyne' though...

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Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 12 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 12 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

De Bruyne's talent was sufficient enough in FIFA 12 for him to warrant a gold card - and was finally handed his correct, full name.

His overall rating went from 64 to 75 in two versions of the game, signifying some rise.

His passing is also at a respectable level at this stage.

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 13 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 13 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

In FIFA 13 Ultimate Team, De Bruyne was upgraded again after his move to Premier League side Chelsea.

His overall was now at a respectable 78, but remained some way off Chelsea's first team level.

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 14 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 14 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

Another year brought another upgrade for De Bruyne, who was now in the 80s in terms of overall rating.

His passing and dribbling attributes were now very good indeed.

He still couldn't get a look in for Chelsea in real-life however.

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 15 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 15 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

A lack of game time at Stamford Bridge saw him move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg in January of that season, so by the time FIFA 15 Ultimate Team was released, he received another upgrade, this time up to 83 overall.

His talent was starting to be noticed.

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 16 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 16 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

Another January move, this time back to the Premier League with Man City.

Due to his exceptional performances for Wolfsburg and City in that season, De Bruyne got another overall upgrade, this time to 86.

He was now one of the Premier League's better midfield players.

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 17 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 17 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

After an outstanding full season at City Under Manuel Pellegrini, De Bruyne was now in the upper echelons of midfield talent, with an overall rating of 88.

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 18 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 18 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

Pep Guardiola's first season as City boss may not have brought silverware, but De Bruyne's performances were such that his rating was now 89 overall, making him one of the best players in world football.

He would then have an incredible 2017/18 campaign...

Kevin De Bruyne on FIFA 19 Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's card on FIFA 19 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

... And after playing a major part in City's incredible 100-point Premier League title win, De Bruyne was given an overall rating of 91, the joint-highest in the league and the highest for an outfield player.

His passing is now an incredible 92 out of 100 - which stood at just 56 in FIFA 10 - completing an incredible rise in becoming one of the best midfielders in the world.

Kevin De Bruyne's best ever card on FIFA Ultimate Team

Kevin De Bruyne's TOTY card on FIFA 19 Ultimate Team (EA Sports)

Kevin De Bruyne's best ever card on FIFA Ultimate Team came in the latest edition, FIFA 19, as part of the Team of the Year promotion, for his performances in 2018.

With an overall rating of 97, there are few better cards in the entire game.

 

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