PEP GUARDIOLA has been studying the body language of his players as they have gone through the gears in recent weeks.
And all he will see from his main man Kevin De Bruyne is someone desperate to make up for lost time.
Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden all netted as Man City ran out 3-1 winners in Copenhagen
Man City had most of the shots and possession
De Bruyne took up a position high up the pitch next to Erling Haaland
De Bruyne ran the show at the Parken Stadium
The brilliant Belgian had to sit out four and a half months of this season due to hamstring surgery.
But he has looked a guy determined to make a difference since he returned to the first team just over a month ago. And boy is he doing exactly that.
KDB was the star turn again here in Denmark – scoring the opening a goal and creating a second.
For the first goal, the Belgian skipper showcased his astute movement by running in behind Copenhagen’s defence and passing the ball into the back of the net.
As for Bernardo Silva’s strike, while an element of fortune was involved as the ball bobbled into his path, the 32-year-old’s persistence to keep hold of possession ultimately earned his side a slice of luck.
That’s how good this guy is – and shows how his return could not have come at a better team for the treble winners.
Finally, for the third goal of the night, the midfield maestro made an excellent run down the right flank before playing an inch-perfect pass to Phil Foden inside the box, who finished with aplomb.
Once again, Kevin De Bruyne showcased Pep Guardiola and Manchester City supporters worldwide against Copenhagen that he has the ability to produce goals and assists for fun.
That’s nine goal involvements in seven matches since the former Chelsea man returned.
De Bruyne’s ever-changing positions gave Copenhagen a headache as they simply struggled to pick him up, as he broke the lines and created chances aplenty in numerous instances.
City could – and should – have won by more but Copenhagen don’t lose many here and Guardiola’s men have one foot in a seventh straight quarter final.
