Gabriel Jesus joined the plaudits for Kevin De Bruyne after Manchester City swept Stoke aside with ease on Saturday.
The in-form De Bruyne was once again at his scintillating best as City moved clear of rivals Manchester United at the top of the Premier League with a 7-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium.
The Belgian did not get on the scoresheet himself but he marked his 100th appearance for the club with a dynamic display that saw him set up four goals.
His vision opened Stoke the defence for early strikes from Jesus and Raheem Sterling before perfectly-weighted passes played in Jesus for a second and Leroy Sane later in the game.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes said De Bruyne was ‘head and shoulders above anybody else in the Premier League’ and Jesus concurred.
‘He is one of the best players in the world,’ said the Brazil striker. ‘His quality is outstanding as an individual out on the pitch, but it’s the way that he makes that work for the whole team, and connects with the other players, that makes him special.’
His brilliance had fans chanting his name as the goals poured in during the second half, rather than the scorers themselves.
‘Kevin deserves the love from the fans,’ added Jesus. ‘We can’t decide who they show their affection to but the important thing is that every player gives their all out on the pitch. We are scoring goals, making assists and winning games and that is the main thing.’
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