Rio Ferdinand thinks returning Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne gives them an edge over Liverpool in the title race

Rio Ferdinand backs Manchester City over Liverpool in the title race because of the return of Kevin De Bruyne. Ferdinand lauded De Bruyne’s return as he helped City beat Newcastle United in the Premier 2-3 League comeback.

The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League, two points ahead of the Citizens. Liverpool have only lost one game compared to Man City’s three losses in the Premier League so far this season.

Liverpool’s only loss took place against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this season, involving a legitimate goal disallowed. The Reds have suffered many controversial decisions that included several handball decisions, disallowed goals, and inconsistent disciplinary actions.

Football fans took to social media to question the referee’s decision to protect Rodri throughout the game against the Magpies. The Spaniard visibly berated the on-field referee and made many clumsy challenges, proving the inconsistent refereeing despite new laws. According to the new rules, referees issue yellow cards to players who berate or theatrically ask for decisions.

Speaking to TNT Sports (h/t Liverpool Echo), Ferdinand hyped the return of De Bryune and his impact in the title race. He said:

“I’ll tell you one thing, that man there (Kevin De Bruyne), you’re back, you are back. You are the jewel in the crown, you’re back. Look at us now, watch momentum kick in now and these guys know what to do. These guys know when to put the pedal to the floor and it looks like now everybody is going to be looking over their shoulders and looking around and sayin, ‘they are coming’. They know how to get the job done, they have the experience, the depth, the class, the quality and the firepower. Formidable.”

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool's different offensive options could help to fill the gap left by the Egyptian, even if the in-form winger’s goal involvement won't be replicated pic.twitter.com/otwyruUSPg

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 7, 2024

De Bruyne is indeed a key player for the Citizens, and he will play a pivotal role in the title race. However, the Reds cannot concern themselves with what Man City could do or could not do from here on.

Football pundits and experts downplayed the idea of Liverpool being in the title race this season when the campaign began. Nevertheless, Jurgen Klopp’s new squad proved the doubters wrong, and they need to believe they can continue doing that.

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The Reds have faced obstacles so far this season from injury crisis and absence of important players like Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo to poor officiating and baffling scheduling structures. Klopp’s “Liverpool 2.0” project is still in the beginning stages, but the promising start has excited every Kopite. Furthermore, just like Man City got a major boost with De Bruyne, Liverpool will get one when Salah returns from AFCON.