In the opening round of the 2024 UEFA European Championship group matches, Manchester City’s elite players seemingly fell into a collective slump. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, along with Kovacic, Doku, and Gvardiol, all failed to meet expectations, leaving fans disheartened. However, in a sudden turn of events, the City stars reasserted their talents and reshaped the pitch.
Silva started the comeback by scoring a decisive goal that steered Portugal towards victory against Turkey. Not only did he secure the win but also earned the “Man of the Match” accolade for his outstanding performance. Following closely, De Bruyne shone in Belgium’s clash against Romania, scoring a brilliant goal that solidified their triumph. His exceptional organizational skills made him a source of opportunities, earning him the “Man of the Match” award from the UEFA Technical Committee, recognizing his pivotal role in the Belgian team.
Despite earlier skepticism after a loss to Slovakia, De Bruyne demonstrated resilience and leadership against Romania, making a significant offensive contribution compared to the previous match. As captain, he not only motivated his squad mentally but also led by example with five attempted shots, positioning himself as one of the most active attackers on the field, driving the team’s attacking momentum.
De Bruyne’s all-round performance was reflected in the stats: topping both shot and shot-on-target counts, he also made the most tackles defensively and was the player fouled the most, showcasing his relentless efforts and influential presence on both ends of the pitch. Though not his most dazzling display, his ability to bounce back from fatigue and pressure, with lightning runs and a match-winning goal, served as testament to his determination.
In Portugal’s ranks, Bernardo Silva equally sparkled. With a goal, a 92.3% pass accuracy rate, and four key passes, he played a crucial role in Portugal’s dominating win over Turkey, earning him the “Man of the Match” title.
Through these outstanding displays, Manchester City players have staged a stunning turnaround in the Euros, rising from the initial lows to reclaim fan praise with pivotal roles and standout moments, affirming their status as world-class players and their resilience.
Reputation Reversed! Manchester City Stars Find Their Groove in Euros, with Silva and De Bruyne Both Claiming Man of the Match Awards. Author：Sports UEFA.Please indicate the source when reproduced：https://www.sportsuefa.com/football-world/reputation-reversed-manchester-city-stars-find-their-groove-in-euros-with-silva-and-de-bruyne-both-claiming-man-of-the-match-awards.html
