A former Blue would like to find that the Belgian build on his outstanding second-half display against Real Madrid in Santiago Bernabeu.
Kevin De Bruyne “needs to push” Manchester City to Champions League glory to be able to”become a legend”, based on Micah Richards.
De Bruyne was the architect of Real Madrid’s downfall in a last 16 first-leg clash at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night.
The Blancos took the lead in the 60th minute through Isco, but City stepped up their game thereafter and were finally rewarded when Gabriel Jesus led home a teasing De Bruyne crosses on the left-hand side.
Substitute Raheem Sterling then won a penalty in the 83rd minute, which De Bruyne discharged cooly to the bottom corner of the net, sparking wild scenes of celebration one of the visiting supporters.
Sergio Ramos was sent off late on for bringing down Jesus as he raced through on goal, with the game ultimately finishing 2-1 in City’s favour.
De Bruyne has received widespread praise for his participation in the Spanish capital, but Richards claims the Belgium global must keep delivering the goods in Europe’s elite competition if he wants to make a spot at the hall of fame.
The ex-City protector told BBC Five Live :”Kevin de Bruyne was quiet-ish for the first 60 minutes. But when he got more involved, he delivered.
“He’s taken the midfield function to another level. He got another help and he has come up with a significant aim.
“We have joked about Ederson but De Bruyne is the guy to take the pens. He’s already a terrific player, but to become a legend, he wants to push this team on to win the Champions League.”
De Bruyne’s place kick marked his first goal in the Champions League this year, but took his tally across all contests to nine.
He’ll be back in contention for a place in Pep Guardiola’s lineup when City come up from Aston Villa at the Carabao Cup closing on Sunday.
The Blues have an FA Cup fifth round date with Sheffield Wednesday scheduled three days after, before focus shifts back into the Premier League.
City will make the short trip to Old Trafford to face arch-rivals Manchester United on March 8, as they bid to make up as much ground as possible on runaway leaders Liverpool, with a home fixture against Burnley on the cards that the next weekend.
Guardiola’s men aren’t because of welcome Madrid to Etihad Stadium before the next week, with a location in the quarter-finals of the Champions League now firmly in their grasp.
