Former Republic of Ireland captain Richard Dunne believes that Kevin de Bruyne is the best central midfielder in world football.
The Manchester City man was crowned Premier League Player of the Season on Sunday morning, finishing ahead of the likes of Liverpool trio, Jordan Henderson, Sadio Mane and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
While City may not have achieved their ultimate goal of winning the league title, De Bruyne shone with a record-equalling 20 assists, as well as 13 goals, and Dunne praised the player's consistency.
"I think he's been fantastic, not just this season, for the last couple of seasons," Dunne told Sky Sports News.
"He's become the ideal midfielder. If you're looking for a central midfielder for any team in the world, he's the person that you gauge them against.
"The award is fully deserved and twenty assists this season is outstanding."
The Belgium international will be recovering from City's latest exit from the Champions League after they were beaten 3-1 by Lyon in the quarter-finals last night.
Former City defender, Dunne, was asked if he thinks that de Bruyne is the best player in the world in his central midfield positon.
"I think so yeah. I think for a centre midfielder, he seems to be able to do everything," said Dunne.
"He probably doesn't get a lot of credit for his work-rate but he does run back. He does a lot of work blocking off spaces but going forward is where he catches the eye.
"The balls that he can deliver, in behind centre-halves, behind defenders, they look impossible at times but he seems to be able to find a way.
"I think for that reason he has to be considered one of the best in that position."
The announcement of the Premier League's best player gong comes just over three weeks after Liverpool captain was named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.
The Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year award is yet to be announced.
