Belgian midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne has publicly questioned the validity of Bruno Fernandes’ Premier League assist record, asserting that his own achievements in the division are superior. De Bruyne’s contention stems from the nature of the assists, with the Manchester City star highlighting that a significant portion of Fernandes’ record-breaking tally came from set-pieces, a factor he believes diminishes its prestige compared to his own assists, which were primarily derived from open play.
De Bruyne, known for his exceptional vision and passing range, made his stance clear in a recent statement, emphasizing the qualitative difference between open-play assists and those from dead-ball situations. “Bruno had only 9 open play assists while the rest of the assists came from set piece, mine was not like that, most of my assists came from open play, so I will never rate Bruno’s record over mine,” De Bruyne reportedly stated. This assertion has ignited a discussion among football enthusiasts and pundits, with many weighing in on the merits of both players’ contributions to their respective teams.
Fernandes, who has been a pivotal figure for Manchester United since his arrival, has consistently delivered impressive assist numbers, often being praised for his ability to unlock defenses. His knack for delivering crucial passes, whether from open play or set pieces, has been a hallmark of his game. However, De Bruyne’s critique brings a new dimension to the comparison, forcing a closer examination of how assists are accumulated and valued within the Premier League.
De Bruyne’s own Premier League assist record is widely acknowledged as one of the best in the league’s history. His ability to create scoring opportunities from various areas of the pitch, often through intricate build-up play and defense-splitting passes, has made him a formidable force. The distinction he draws between his own assist profile and Fernandes’ is rooted in the perceived difficulty and creativity involved in open-play assists compared to set-piece deliveries, which, while still requiring skill, can be seen as more routine or system-driven.
The debate is likely to continue, with fans and analysts dissecting statistics and performances to support their arguments. Some may argue that all assists contribute equally to a player’s overall impact, regardless of their origin. Others might side with De Bruyne, believing that assists generated from fluid attacking movements and individual brilliance in open play are a more accurate reflection of a playmaker’s true ability to influence a game.
The Premier League has a rich history of incredible playmakers, and both De Bruyne and Fernandes have etched their names among the elite. This ongoing discussion serves to highlight the incredible talent and competition within the league, as players continuously strive to break records and cement their legacies. The differing perspectives on assist records underscore the subjective nature of football analysis and the various criteria used to evaluate player performance.
Source: Chidera Onunkwo
Chidera Onunkwo: 🚨🗣️ Kevin De bryune on Bruno breaking his premier league assist record “Bruno had only 9 open play assists while the rest of the assists came from set piece, mine was not like that, most of my assists came from open play, so I will never rate Bruno’s record over mine, i also. #breaking
— @chideraonunkwo2 May 1, 2026
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