LONDON - Watching Kevin De Bruyne's masterful performance in Manchester City's 4-2 thrashing of Crystal Palace on Saturday, it was hard to believe he missed the first five months of the Premier League season recovering from hamstring surgery.

The Belgian midfielder struck twice and provided the assist Erling Haaland's goal at Selhurst Park and his superb form is great timing for City as they bid to win a fourth Premier League title in a row and are still involved in the FA Cup and Champions League.