Combined Best XI: Manchester City vs. Stoke City

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - AUGUST 20: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City looks on during the Premier League match between Stoke City and Manchester City at Bet365 Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester in action during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester City at Stadium of Light on March 5, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – MARCH 05: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester in action during the Premier League match between Sunderland and Manchester City at Stadium of Light on March 5, 2017 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill Ltd/Getty Images)

First Center Midfielder – Kevin De Bruyne

Kevin De Bruyne’s importance to Manchester City is vital, and he is one of the first names that is on the team sheet for each match. He has five goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season, while he puts in a lot of extra work for the team. De Bruyne’s importance to the team grows higher when players like David Silva, Leroy Sane, and Raheem Sterling are not available for selection. At 25, De Bruyne still has a bright future in Manchester while he continues to be a world-class player.