Check out Pep Guardiola’s challenge to Kevin De Bruyne, who has yet to respond.

Kevin De Bruyne has been virtually unnoticed for Belgium so far in the World Cup.

Belgium’s World Cup campaign has been disappointing so far, with Kevin De Bruyne proving unable to live up to the high standards he has set for himself at Manchester City.

The midfield star’s capabilities have been evident for all to see for the past eight years at the Etihad Stadium; four PFA Team of the Year awards, two Premier League Player of the Season awards, and four top-flight titles still don’t do justice to the sheer talent he boasts. And, now in a congested schedule, De Bruyne has taken to the World Cup for a third time after impressing heavily in the 2014 and 2018 editions of the tournament.

It hasn’t all gone to plan for De Bruyne this time around, though, as he temporarily swaps blue for red. Following Belgium’s lethargic loss to Morocco on Sunday afternoon, it is clear to see that the red-haired playmaker has not been at his best in Qatar – something he will be looking to rectify in the final group F game against Croatia. The midfield maestro is normally a world-beater for his club but rather surprisingly, Pep Guardiola criticized his form earlier this season – with the Spaniard challenging De Bruyne to be ‘better’ after the reigning champions’ 3-1 win over Brighton.

“He can be better. He’s not playing at his top level, Kevin, not yet,” Guardiola said after the victory over the Seagulls.

“He makes a fantastic level but he’s not playing at his best. He knows I don’t have to tell him. His dynamic is still not perfect. He knows that, I spoke with him.

“The goal is outstanding; thanks to him we didn’t suffer the last 15-20 minutes.”

De Bruyne did win the Man of the Match award in Belgium’s group opener against Canada, albeit his nation was made to fight hard for their win over the Canucks and could count themselves fortunate not to have dropped points, with De Bruyne later admitting he “didn’t know” why he was handed the award saying he didn’t think he “played a great game”.

With the loss against Morocco, they must now manage at least a point against the eastern European outfit if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for the knockout stages – and De Bruyne will surely be pivotal to their chances of success.

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