Chelsea vs Manchester City: Cesc Fabregas knew nothing about Kevin De Bruyne even though he played for Blues

De Bruyne won the German Player of the Year in the Bundesliga last season, but despite playing for Chelsea six months before Fabregas joined the club, he knew nothing about him

Jack de Menezes

Saturday 16 April 2016 13:20 BST

Kevin De Bruyne has proven pivotal to Manchester City's season (Getty)

Kevin De Bruyne’s return to fitness has triggered Manchester City’s resurgence in form and paved the way for the Premier League side to reach the Champions League semi-finals, along with reminding every single Chelsea fan what the club allowed to slip through their grasp.

But despite the Belgian rapidly developing into one of the most influential players in the Premier League, current Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas admits he had no idea about him before he joined City – despite De Bruyne playing for the Blues just six months before Fabregas’s arrival.

De Bruyne’s two-month absence coincided with City dropping out of the Premier League title race and FA Cup, and since returning at the start of the month the midfielder has scored three goals in four appearances including the crucial winner in the 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain this week that ensured City progressed to the Champions League semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate triumph.

But despite his impressive return to England and terrific campaign with Wolfsburg last season that saw him named German Player of the Year by German journalists and broadcasters after leading Wolfsburg to second in the Bundesliga, Fabregas admits he didn’t know much about De Bruyne.

Asked if he has been impressed by De Bruyne’s form this season, Fabregas said: "Yes, mostly because I hardly knew about him before this season.

"I didn’t really watch the German league in the few years he was there so yes he’s impressed me because I didn’t know that he had that much quality.

Cesc Fabregas admits he did not know about Kevin De Bruyne until this season (Getty)

"I think he fits in very well with Manchester City’s footballing style."

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

Show all 14

1/1414 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Diego Costa

The controversial striker is reportedly unhappy in England and believes that the country’s referees and media are targeting him. A move back to Atletico Madrid could be on the cards if the new manager cannot convince him to stay.

Getty

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Thibaut Courtois

The goalkeeper’s form has suffered since his knee injury earlier this season and, according to reports, Conte could cash in while the Belgium international’s value remains high. A wise move?

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Radamel Falcao

The desperately out-of-form striker has confirmed that he will return to Monaco for pre-season training, bringing an end to what has been a disastrous two-year spell in England.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Loic Remy

Another player in need of a fresh start. He’s been a small fish in a big pond ever since joining Chelsea but has enough quality to become the focal point of an attack elsewhere.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Nemanja Matic

His fall from grace has slightly overlooked this season. Imperious upon arrival, he’s fallen behind John Obi Mikel in the pecking order – a state of affairs that many would barely be able to believe this time last year.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Alexandre Pato

Despite his brilliant debut at Villa Park, the Brazilian may have done too little too late to earn a permanent contract. Any offer would be a mistake unless he can definitively answer questions over his fitness.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Oscar

One of the few players in the squad who can provide the odd moment of magic but infuriatingly inconsistent. The Brazil international can still command a decent market price and is therefore dispensable.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>Out:</b> Nathan Ake (Watford)

The 21-year-old defender spent last season on loan with Watford, and he will continue his Premier League education this term with Bournemouth after joining the Cherries in a season-long loan.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Romelu Lukaku (Everton)

The Belgium international has made no secret of his desires to play for a Champions League club and, according to The Independent’s Mark Ogden, Conte has made him his number one priority this summer.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Arturo Vidal (Bayern Munich)

Formerly an all-action enforcer in Conte’s successful Juventus sides, the Chile international would bring steel and dynamism to Chelsea’s central midfield. The likelihood of prising him Bayern Munich’s hands, however, could be slim.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Radja Nainggolan (Roma)

A suitable back-up plan if Vidal is not a practical target. The Belgium international has the quality to fit in at an elite club.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> John Stones (Everton)

Chelsea’s high-profile pursuit of the defender was ultimately fruitless and, in the time since, he’s shown he’s probably not yet worth Everton’s asking price of £40million. However, with Terry on his way, a centre-back is needed. Will Conte pay the premium on Stones’ potential?

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Andreas Christensen (Borussia Monchengladbach)

The 19-year-old defender is currently on loan in Germany and his current club are desperate to make the deal permanent, so impressive has he been. Chelsea, however, would be foolish to let another talented youngster slip from out their grasp, especially when he could be a cut-price improvement in a key area.

14 possible ins and outs at Conte's Chelsea

<b>In:</b> Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)

Conte’s arrival could be the reprieve that the Colombian’s Chelsea career needs but the question is – does he actually want to move back to the Bridge? After a successful period on loan in Serie A, the league in which he made his name, he may be the one who needs convincing.

Getty

Fabregas will get a closer look at De Bruyne on Saturday when City travel to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, but while the Manchester outfit will be pressing on in a bid to fend of rivals Manchester United from snatching fourth place, Chelsea have relatively little to play for except their own pride.

Cesc Fabregas was speaking ahead of the launch of the EA SPORTS FIFA 16 Ultimate Team – Team of the Season. To read the full interview, go to https://www.easports.com/uk/fifa/news/2016/fifa-16-cesc-fabregas-interview

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