Ben Foster has labelled Manchester City superstar Kevin de Bruyne a “sneaky weasel” after he nearly caught out West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola.
In the first half From the city In the match against the Hammers, De Bruyne took a corner and passed it to Jack Grealishwhich was located near the left corner of the 18-yard box.
Grealish touched the ball before passing it straight to De Bruyne, who remained unmarked.
With De Bruyne's position on the pitch, Areola expected the Belgian maestro to deliver a cross into the centre of the box and positioned himself accordingly.
However, De Bruyne unleashed a brutal first-time shot that looked destined to catch out Areola, but the Hammers' gloveman denied it with his outstretched right hand.
The City captain watched in disbelief as Areola managed to readjust his position to make the save.
Talking about Filler football, Foster noted that when goalkeepers take a “brave” stance, it can often deter players from attempting a bold move.
However, De Bruyne is not like most.
“It's a joke, honestly,” Foster said.
“I'm all for being a brave goalkeeper and taking a bit more time than you should to try and get forward. Even a lot of players would see you in that brave position, change their mind and become ultra-confident and not put the ball near you.
“But if Kevin De Bruyne He sees you in that situation and says, “Well, I'm going to get my anger out on you.” That's what he does. He tries to throw it at the nearest goalpost.
“He's very smart with that. Very, very smart. Because he doesn't need much backpedaling either. He knows where (the target) is. He's not looking, but you know he's looking, too. He's a coward. He's a very, very sneaky coward.”
2
De Bruyne ultimately failed to register a goal or assist against West Ham. City emerged victorious 3-1 thanks to Erling HaalandThe second hat-trick of the season.
But the Belgian was in fine form against Ipswich Town, scoring once and providing an assist in their 4-1 win.
This season could also be De Bruyne's last at the Etihad, given that his contract expires at the end of the season.
De Bruyne was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia during the offseason, but nothing ever materialized.
Talking with BBC Radio Manchester, The Belgian also revealed that he hopes to hold talks with City over his future later in the season.
“Once the season starts, I'm sure there will be talks with City,” De Bruyne said.
“I just want to feel good, play good football and that will come in the next few months. I'm not in a hurry at the moment.”
The 33-year-old joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015 in a £55m deal and has gone on to become one of the club's greatest ever midfielders, with 103 goals and 171 assists in 386 appearances in all competitions.
JOIN THE DUGOUT
Have your say on all things talkSPORT by joining 'THE DUGOUT' – our new panel of listeners.
Our aim is to take a deeper look at your perspectives and make sure talkSPORT is the best it can be. Your voice matters and we want to hear it!
Present your innovative ideas and participate in fun locker room polls, surveys and debates.
Just by joining, you'll be entered into a draw to win one of four £50 Amazon vouchers, and you'll be entered into another draw for every survey you complete afterwards.
To join 'The DUGOUT' panel, please Click here.
