The former Arsenal forward has spoken highly of Liverpool winger Mane, but he believes that City midfielder De Bruyne is a better player than the Senegal international.
Nicholas made the comments while reflecting on the Belgium international’s performance for City in their 4-0 win against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League on Thursday evening.
The former Chelsea midfielder scored from the penalty spot in the 25th minute and pulled the strings in the middle of the park.
Nicholas wrote on Skysports.com: “How good was De Bruyne against Liverpool?
“When I looked at him and Sadio Mane for the Player of the Season award, De Bruyne is so far above, and I mean that with the least disrespect possible for Sadio Mane, who has had an exceptional season.
“His touch, vision, movement is impeccable – he has absolutely everything. Liverpool know how good he is. He is fabulous and a pleasure to watch.”
World-class footballer
De Bruyne is one of the best players in the world and has been superb for City since he moved to the Citizens in the summer of 2015 for a transfer fee reported by The Guardian to be worth £51 million.
The 29-year-old has developed into a complete midfielder under manager Pep Guardiola and has played consistently well in recent years.
According to WhoScored, the Belgian midfielder has scored 11 goals and provided 17 assists in the Premier League so far this season, and scored two goals and provided two assists in the league during the 2018-19 campaign when he had injury issues.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
