Jamie Carragher praised Kevin De Bruyne for putting his World Cup disappointment behind him in a world class display in Manchester City's 3-2 win over Liverpool.
As the two sides who have dominated the Premier League over the last five seasons clashed in the League Cup, fans were in for a treat as club football resumes after the World Cup.
One player who may have felt he had a point to prove tonight was Kevin De Bruyne. After Belgium's shock group stage exit from the World Cup, Kevin De Bruyne was one of several big name players to under perform.
There was also rumours of divide within the squad, with reports that players were unhappy over De Bruyne's comments regarding their chances at the tournament.
However, the Belgian midfielder was back in a big way with two assists as Manchester City resumed the action with a win over their rivals.
Jamie Carragher was full of praise for the midfielder after the game, claiming he has put World Cup issues to bed.
"His standards are world class on a weekly basis" ⭐
Plenty of praise for Kevin De Bruyne from @Carra23 after putting a difficult World Cup behind him and producing a superb performance against Liverpool 💪 pic.twitter.com/VRSk8g4MiG— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 22, 2022
For me, he's been the best player in the Premier League for the last four or five years, that's where you put him.
Listen, everyone's fallible, it didn't quite work, Belgium weren't the best. But he was a long way short of his standards, because his standards are world class on a weekly basis.
It doesn't matter what player you're talking about, 99% of players play better for their club than they do at international level. Just because of their surroundings, they know exactly what their own manager wants, the link-up between him and Haaland.
Yes he is playing for Belgium, I get that, ut very few players match what they do for a club in an international shirt."
De Bruyne Key In Thrilling Victory
It didn't take them long to open the scoring when Kevin De Bruyne put in a great cross for Erling Haaland to head home after just 10 minutes. If there is one player who didn't need six weeks off at this point of the season, it was him.
What a finish that is! 👊
Erling Haaland is BACK! 💥 pic.twitter.com/H8KMjQC3mf— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 22, 2022
Liverpool responded through Fábio Carvalho, with a composed finish as in an end to end encounter.
Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was given a rare start ahead of Alison, and was kept very busy in the first half. This save from Nathan Aké was the highlight after he met this wonderful cross from De Bruyne.
However, Kelleher had no chance when Manchester City regained the lead from Riyad Mahrez brilliant touch and finish, before Mohamed Salah drew Liverpool level a minute later.
We're not sure what's better, Riyad Mahrez's first touch or his finish! 💥 pic.twitter.com/I9N9h1LuF2
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 22, 2022
It would be Pep Guardiola's side who would claim victory after De Bruyne's cross found Aké at the back post after poor defending from Liverpool.
Another inch-perfect cross from Kevin De Bruyne and Nathan Aké makes no mistake with his finish! 💥 pic.twitter.com/8wbOmCkLBg
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 22, 2022
SEE ALSO: Jamie Carragher Denies Gerrard Deliberately Missed Penalty To Get Roy Hodgson Sacked
