Graeme Souness hails Kevin De Bruyne for taking Belgium to ‘a different level’ and his ‘sixth sense’ after inspiring comeback win over Denmark – as he insists ‘everyone grew in stature’ following his introduction
Kevin de Bruyne was a ‘different level’ in changing the game for Belgium having rescued his team after half-time against Denmark, according to Graeme Souness.
The Manchester City midfielder, who is returning from a fractured eye socket and broken nose, was brought on by Roberto Martinez with his side a goal down in Copenhagen.
De Bruyne duly delivered a masterclass, knitting play together and providing a goal and assist to propel his team into the knockout stages of Euro 2020.
Kevin de Bruyne changed the game for Belgium with a goal and assist against Denmark
The midfielder was brought on a the break with Denmark dominating the first half
In the ITV studio, Souness was full of praise for the 29-year-old, saying: ‘We never mentioned the defenders in the second half, it’s as if De Bruyne comes on and everyone grew in stature.
‘It’s as if, all of a sudden, “We’ve got belief about us”. They were a completely different team in the second half, they were rocking from the first minute to the 45th, then you get your top man on and it was like “He’s here, we’re gonna be okay”. He influences the game. It’s a different level.
Souness added: ‘It was a game of two halves, the old cliche. But it’s de Bruyne, one of the best players in the world coming on. The way he disguises it (his goal), he looks like he’s going to pull the trigger it with his first touch. He doesn’t – he sends two people to the ground. In no time does he know what’s inside him – he’s just got a sixth sense.
The Manchester City midfielder is the talisman for his side and came up trumps
Graeme Souness praised what he called De Bruyne’s ‘sixth sense’ on Thursday
‘People can have the same qualities in terms of abilities, but the special players have a picture in their head that separates them from the rest.’
De Bruyne could have taken a shot on but showed an elite composure to slide through a ball to Thorgan Hazard to tap in the equaliser.
Ashley Cole said: ‘He didn’t even panic, certain players will just slash at that, eyes light up, great chance to score… he knows, he glanced – he’s already seen the picture as the game is building up, little side foot across the goal and nice tap in.’
And as for the midfielder’s goal, a lashed effort from outside the box, the former Chelsea and England left-back added: ‘You can’t criticise Schmeichel for the goal, bringing Eden Hazard on and De Bruyne, link up play was better, support in and around attacking third was better, it was a brilliant strike.’
Belgium are now through from Group B while Denmark know they must win their final group game against Russia to stand any chance of progressing.
Roberto Martinez’s side will be hard to beat if De Bruyne continues his red hot form