Former footballer Joe Cole has gone out on a limb to crown Kevin De Bruyne the greatest midfielder in the history of the Premier League.
Well, it’s not that much of a limb in truth, but they’re big words nonetheless.
The debate surrounding where Kevin De Bruyne ranks among the greatest midfielders the Premier League has ever seen – Scholes, Lampard, Gerrard, Viera and so on – is one that’s been circulating for many years now and it’s quite the honour to even be mentioned in the same breath as these players.
However, a bit of a legend in his own right when it comes to the English top flight, Cole has now claimed that not only does he “stand shoulder to shoulder” with any of these greats but that he’s started to cement his place above them as “the Godfather of attacking midfielders”.
"We're lucky to have him in the Premier League"@rioferdy5 and Joe Cole discuss the brilliance of Kevin De Bruyne and whether he felt any pressure following Phil Foden's recent performances…
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 6, 2024
Joe Cole dubs Kevin De Bruyne ‘the Godfather’ of attacking mids in the Prem.
The 42-year-old went on to say, “I think he sits above everyone, I really do, and I include Frank [Lampard] and [Paul] Scholes and Stevie [Steven Gerrard] and everyone in that”.
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“I think he’s moving up and they are great players of their time and it’s always difficult to compare eras because the game, the rules change; the pitch has changed, the ball has changed, the training methods – everything changes but he’s certainly the best of this era and he’s just outstanding.”
This comes after De Bruyne was once again instrumental in Manchester City‘s 4-2 win over Crystal Palace, grabbing a brace and assists for Erling Haaland’s 30th goal in all competitions this season against the home side on Saturday.
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He is by no means the only one to back this claim with Jürgen Klopp recently admitting that De Bruyne is just as good if not better than Gerrard, while the Liverpool and England legend himself went so far as to dub him “the best in the world”.
Even with injury problems here and there, having spent most of this season on the sidelines, the 32-year-old continues to prove that class is permanent; if anything, you could argue he’s looking better than ever — and we don’t just mean the nice new trim.
Having made it 100 goals in blue, as well as 158 assists in just under a decade at the club, manager Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the Belgian, not only labelling both of his finishes “unbelievable” but applauding him on his unwavering quality since arriving at the Etihad.
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“Ten years in Man City, the numbers, the presence, the consistency has been amazing,” said Pep, adding: “[He’s one] one of the best players in all our history of Man City.”
You can watch the highlights from Man City’s crucial away win in the title race that looks like it’s going to run right down to the wire HERE and as for you trying to nail down the greatest midfielder this league has ever seen, you don’t need to convince us.
Featured Images — TNT Sports/Man City (via Instagram)
Sport
Everton manager Sean Dyche randomly pops up in the music video for Blossoms’ new single – and he’s great
Danny Jones
Did anyone else think they’d ever see Sean Dyche make his acting debut in the role of a Northern crime boss in a silly little music video for the Blossoms?
No, us neither but that’s the bizarre alternate reality we’re living in, apparently.
Blossoms are currently working on the fifth studio album and have already released their lead single entitled, ‘To Do List (After The Break-Up)’, but now they have a new song out as well, with a rather amusing music video to go along with it and somehow Sean Dyche has found himself the star.
The Stockport band teased the curious collaboration in April, giving us just short glimpses of the Everton manager and former Burnley boss with very little explanation – all we know is that it looked funny and it was.
Sean Dyche sends the five of us on a mission in our new single What Can I Say (After I’m Sorry) out Wednesday 1st May ⏰ pic.twitter.com/WcDdfgAD1m
Sean Dyche stars as the boss in the music video for Blossoms’ latest single, ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?’ As you do.
Dyche is still busy trying to finish the Premier League campaign as strong as possible after successfully navigating the Toffees to safety even in spite of their points deductions this season, but it sounds like keeping them up has given him enough time to moonlight as an actor.
Sending the indie five-piece on a mission to collect something of value (yes, that’s all the info we have at this point as the story is still to be continued), it looks like the Kettering-born coach has a larger role to play in whatever this narrative turns out to be.
Playing what can only be described as some kind of semi-Manc mafia figure on the hunt for a very valuable piece of art, i.e. a big giant gorilla statue – one that many Stopfordians spotted being lugged around various parts of the borough –
They also shared a little bit of BTS footage from the shoot for the music video last week. Some lovely head-bobbing and unassuming surroundings here:
As for the track itself, it’s a bit of stylistic change for the lads who’ve mastered their 80s-tinged indie formula over the past decade but it’s an absolute pop and is already stuck in our heads.
Revealing that they’ve collaborated with contemporary funk, disco and electronic icons Jungle on the track, it doesn’t take too long to hear the influences. Look forward to hearing it at Wythenshawe Park this summer.
You can watch the music video for ‘What Can I Say?’ and the ginger-goatee’d football manager extraordinaire in full character HERE.
He’s not the only footballing figure who’s made an entertainment crossover recently either.
So, Erling Haaland is now a character in Clash of Clans… 👀
Bit random, we know, but it's a funny little trailer. 😅
Featured Images — Blossoms (via YouTube)/Virgin EMI
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Tributes paid to former Manchester City winger Ian Mellor, dead at 74
Danny Jones
Tributes are pouring following the death of former Manchester City star, Ian Mellor, who has sadly passed away at the age of 74.
Mellor, from Sale in Greater Manchester, played as a left winger for Man City as well as the likes of Norwich City, Brighton, Chester, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford.
With his family and former club confirming the death on Wednesday, 1 May, social media has been awash with people paying their respects to the seasoned ex-pro who sadly died following a long battle with amyloidosis, a rare and incurable disease which affects organs such as the heart, brains and kidneys.
Replying to his son and ex-Liverpool turned Sky Sports broadcaster, Neil Mellor, the club paid their respects to the former Blue who made 50 appearances for the club.
We're saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Ian Mellor.
Mellor began his career just down the road at Wythenshawe Amateurs before going on to represent City from 1970 to 1973.
A boyhood fan of the club, he scored 10 goals whilst wearing Sky Blue and also went on to win the Charity Shield with them back in 1972.
Eventually nicknamed ‘Spider’ for a good chunk of his career due to his long-legged stature, he remained attached to the beautiful game for years after his retirement and went on to become a committee member for the Former Players Association at City.
Joining the likes of all his former clubs, Chester City said: “Everyone at [the club] is saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Mellor. Sending all our love to you and your family, Neil Mellor.
His son Neil’s goodbye has touched many online too, calling his dad his “hero” and his “everything”.
He also went on to thank locally-based end-of-life care organisation and charity, St Ann’s Hospice, who have facilities all over Greater Manchester and who helped care for Ian in his final days.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family as well as those whose lives he touched through football during this difficult time.
Danny Jones -
8th April 2024 
