Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has hailed Kevin De Bruyne as one of the greatest players in Premier League history.

Arteta, who previously worked with De Bruyne as an assistant at Manchester City, praised the midfielder’s exceptional technical skills and why he believes De Bruyne stands out from the rest.

On Friday, De Bruyne announced his departure from City with a heartfelt message across his social media platforms. His contract with the club will end at the close of this season, making him a free agent come summer.

Ahead of Arsenal’s match against Everton, Arteta was asked about De Bruyne’s impact.

The Arsenal boss said, “He’s right up there. I’m not sure if he’s number one, two, or three, but in my view, he’s undeniably one of the best in Premier League history. I’ve never played with anyone who can execute with such precision at such high speeds.”

Additionally, Arteta went on to describe De Bruyne’s remarkable ability to run at 33 or 34 kilometres per hour and deliver a perfect 30-meter pass through a tight space. “I’ve never seen anyone do that at that pace,” Arteta added.

Also, he mentioned De Bruyne’s mental strength, saying, “What makes him truly special, aside from his technical gifts, is his mindset. Kevin is always willing to take risks and push forward. Even when things don’t go his way, he keeps trying, and that resilience sets him apart.”

De Bruyne’s achievements at City are staggering, with six league titles to his name and an impressive 70 goals and 118 assists in 280 Premier League appearances. He ranks second on the all-time assist list, only behind Ryan Giggs (162).