Kyle Walker claims only Cristiano Ronaldo & Lionel Messi are in 'same bracket' as Kevin De Bruyne after Man City talisman's stunning display off the bench at Newcastle

The Belgian midfielder, who missed the first half of the season after undergoing surgery on his hamstring, has put his injuries in the past and is back with an ambition "to be the best" in the world. He has been in sensational form since his return and inspired City to the three points against Newcastle United after coming off the bench - by scoring and then setting up Oscar Bobb in injury time.

Speaking on the sidelines of the FIFA The Best awards, Walker said: "I think there's only certain players, the likes of Messi and Ronaldo, that you can say are in the same bracket as Kevin – Kevin goes into that bracket for me. When he came on against Newcastle, you could feel that push, you could feel that energy and that excitement. He gives you a lift and Kevin is at his best when he's on the ball playing passes that you don't think are even visible to play.”

De Bruyne made it to the FIFPro Team of the Year for a fourth consecutive time after playing an instrumental role in City's treble-winning campaign. He recorded a whopping 31 assists across competitions last season, including two against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals and another pair against Manchester United in the FA Cup final. De Bruyne also contributed 10 goals and popped up to make the difference in crucial matches, most notably netting a brace against Arsenal in the Premier League at the Etihad Stadium which proved to be crucial in the title race.

City had six players in the FIFA World Team of the Year, including defenders Ruben Dias, John Stones and Walker. It is a unique achievement as no club have had six representatives in the FIFPro XI since Barcelona in 2010.

De Bruyne has sprung back to top form just in time for City as they gear up to defend their Premier League and Champions League crowns. They are currently on a mini winter break and will return to action against Tottenham on January 26 in an FA Cup fourth-round tie away from home.