2022-23 Premier League Season

Kevin De Bruyne vs Bruno Fernandes

⚽ The Playmaker Showdown: Precision vs Passion

🤖 AI Evaluation

Kevin De Bruyne was definitively the better player in the 2022/2023 Premier League season, excelling in creativity, team impact, and discipline, despite Bruno Fernandes' strong defensive contributions.
Kevin De Bruyne
Manchester City
Age
31
Position
MF
Nationality
🇧🇪 Belgium
Appearances
32
Key Statistics
7
Goals
16
Assists
23
G+A
0.26
Goals/90
0.60
Assists/90
2,417
Minutes
Defensive Stats
28
Tackles
9
Interceptions
10
Clearances
27
Blocks
35.9%
Tackle Success
37
Def Actions
Team Impact
8%
Team Goals
23%
Team Assists
1
Yellow Cards
0
Red Cards
Bruno Fernandes
Manchester Utd
Age
27
Position
MF,FW
Nationality
🇵🇹 Portugal
Appearances
37
Key Statistics
8
Goals
8
Assists
16
G+A
0.22
Goals/90
0.22
Assists/90
3,316
Minutes
Defensive Stats
68
Tackles
25
Interceptions
40
Clearances
37
Blocks
42.3%
Tackle Success
93
Def Actions
Team Impact
14%
Team Goals
19%
Team Assists
6
Yellow Cards
0
Red Cards

📊 The Complete Statistical Breakdown

⚽ Goal Threat & Finishing

Kevin De Bruyne scored 7 goals with a total of 7 non-penalty goals from 32 appearances. His goal contribution is respectable, but his shooting accuracy is not provided, making it difficult to assess. Bruno Fernandes scored 8 goals, with 6 non-penalty goals, from 37 appearances. He had a slightly higher goal total, indicating a marginally better goal threat. Verdict: Bruno Fernandes had a slight edge in total goals scored.

🎨 Creative Impact

Kevin De Bruyne recorded 16 assists, contributing significantly to his team's attack with a total of 23 goal contributions (goals + assists). Bruno Fernandes had 8 assists, totaling 16 goal contributions. De Bruyne's creativity is underscored by his higher assist total and the importance of those assists in a high-scoring Manchester City team. Verdict: Kevin De Bruyne is clearly superior in creative impact.

🛡️ Defensive Contribution

Kevin De Bruyne made 28 tackles with a Tackle Success Rate of 35.9%, and he contributed 9 interceptions and 10 clearances. Bruno Fernandes had a much higher defensive output with 68 tackles and a Tackle Success Rate of 42.3%, along with 25 interceptions and 40 clearances. Verdict: Bruno Fernandes demonstrated a significantly better defensive contribution.

⚡ Team Dependency & Impact

Kevin De Bruyne contributed to 8% of Manchester City's goals and 23% of their assists, showcasing his critical role in their attacking play. Bruno Fernandes contributed to 14% of Manchester United's goals and 19% of their assists, indicating a vital role but less impactful than De Bruyne in terms of assists. Verdict: Kevin De Bruyne had a more substantial influence on his team's overall attacking output.

⏱️ Minutes & Efficiency

Kevin De Bruyne played 2,417 minutes over 32 appearances, averaging approximately 90 minutes per game. Bruno Fernandes logged 3,316 minutes over 37 appearances, averaging 90 minutes per game as well. His per-90 stats are not explicitly detailed, but his total contributions are noteworthy. Verdict: Bruno Fernandes was more consistently available, playing more minutes.

🟨 Discipline & Reliability

Kevin De Bruyne received 1 yellow card and 0 red cards, indicating a disciplined approach. Bruno Fernandes received 6 yellow cards and also 0 red cards, showing a less disciplined record. Verdict: Kevin De Bruyne was more reliable in terms of discipline.

🏆 Squad Context

Manchester City had an exceptional season with high possession (64.7%) and attacking output, providing the perfect environment for De Bruyne's creativity. Manchester United had a more balanced approach with 53.7% possession, requiring Fernandes to contribute more defensively while maintaining his creative duties.

📈 Overall Statistical Dominance

In terms of raw numbers, Kevin De Bruyne had 23 goal contributions compared to Bruno Fernandes' 16. De Bruyne's creative impact, combined with his lower disciplinary issues, makes him statistically dominant despite playing fewer minutes. Verdict: Kevin De Bruyne is the more dominant player overall.

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