Kevin De Bruyne reveals why Erling Haaland is 10x times better than Sergio Aguero for Man City

Kevin De Bruyne, the Belgian maestro at Manchester City, has had the privilege of playing alongside some of the most iconic talents in football history. Over a decade at the Etihad Stadium, De Bruyne has witnessed greatness firsthand, sharing the pitch with legends such as Vincent Kompany, David Silva, Sergio Aguero, and now, Erling Haaland.

Recently, Manchester City challenged De Bruyne to name his all-time best XI from his years at the club, forcing him into difficult decisions. Among these was the tough choice between the midfield dominance of Rodri or Fernandinho and the dynamic wing talents of Raheem Sterling versus Riyad Mahrez. However, perhaps the most significant decision lay in selecting the striker who had the greatest impact in front of goal.

For De Bruyne, the striker is a pivotal figure—the ultimate finisher who transforms chances into goals, bringing the team’s offensive play to life. Having played with both Sergio Aguero, a City legend, and Erling Haaland, the current sensation, De Bruyne’s comparison between the two offers valuable insight into the evolution of Man City’s attacking prowess.

Despite the reverence held for Aguero, who remains one of the club’s all-time top scorers and beloved by fans worldwide, De Bruyne openly favors Haaland when it comes to sheer impact and effectiveness. The Belgian midfielder acknowledges the unique qualities each brought to the club but highlights how Haaland’s presence elevates the team to new heights.

“There is no doubt Kun (Aguero) was a fantastic player,” De Bruyne remarked in a candid interview on Manchester City’s official YouTube channel. “He had a great connection with the team and was instrumental during his time here. But Erling, well, he’s something different—especially when he spots the goal.”

De Bruyne went on to describe Haaland as a “mechanism,” emphasizing the Norwegian’s relentless focus and clinical finishing ability. “When Erling sees the goal, a different person comes out. His instinct and timing make him incredibly difficult to stop. It’s a completely different breed of striker.”

Since arriving at Manchester City in 2022, Haaland has quickly established himself as one of the world’s most fearsome forwards. His debut season stunned fans and pundits alike, as he shattered goal-scoring records and displayed a physicality and precision rarely seen in the Premier League.

That said, Haaland’s current campaign has faced some criticism, notably after he avoided taking a penalty in the FA Cup final, a decision that drew Alan Shearer’s ire. Despite this, De Bruyne’s confidence in Haaland remains unwavering, as he sees the Norwegian’s influence on the pitch extending beyond individual moments.

De Bruyne himself is nearing the twilight of his own Manchester City career, with reports linking him to a potential move to Major League Soccer with the Chicago Fire. Such a transition would mark the end of an era for the Belgian, who has been a lynchpin in City’s midfield creativity for years.

Meanwhile, Haaland’s journey at Manchester City seems destined for longevity. The Norwegian has openly hinted at staying at the club for the foreseeable future, aiming to break club records and cement his legacy among City’s all-time greats.

One of Haaland’s most ambitious targets is to surpass Aguero’s record of 260 goals for Manchester City. Despite being 140 goals behind, Haaland has achieved his tally in significantly fewer games, underscoring his remarkable scoring efficiency.

The contrast between Aguero and Haaland goes beyond raw numbers. Aguero was known for his agility, close control, and instinctive play in tight spaces, often producing moments of magic that endeared him to fans. Haaland, by comparison, combines explosive pace, physical dominance, and clinical precision to overwhelm defenders.

De Bruyne’s admiration for Haaland extends to how the striker complements City’s style of play. The Belgian noted that Haaland’s movement and ability to anticipate chances elevate the entire team’s performance, making the City attack more lethal and dynamic.

While fans and experts like Ally McCoist have debated the relative merits of Aguero and Haaland, De Bruyne’s unique perspective, having played closely with both, lends credibility to his endorsement of the young Norwegian.

In conclusion, De Bruyne’s reflections highlight the evolution of Manchester City’s attacking identity over the past decade. From Aguero’s era of individual brilliance to Haaland’s era of relentless efficiency, the club continues to attract and nurture extraordinary talent.

As Haaland chases history at the Etihad, De Bruyne’s endorsement reinforces the notion that the Norwegian striker is not only living up to the immense expectations placed on him but, in many ways, redefining what it means to be a top-class forward in modern football.

Manchester City fans will eagerly watch as Haaland strives to rewrite the club’s record books, fueled by the confidence of teammates like De Bruyne who understand just how exceptional the young striker truly is.