There can be little doubting that Kevin De Bruyne is one of the best players in the Premier League.If it wasn't for the heroic exploits of Mohamed Salah last season, the Belgian would almost certainly have collected the PFA Player of the Year award to join his first league title in England.His influence in the midfield of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City simply couldn't be understated and fans were left applauding his sensational passes every week on Match of the Day.However, an early season injury in 2018-19 looked to majorly handicap City and only now has De Bruyne returned to the fold.Despite his crucial influence in the title run last season, the Citizens managed to cope in his absence and sat level on points with Chelsea and Liverpool after the latest international break.

De Bruyne returns

His return came from the bench this week with Guardiola waiting until the scoreline was secure.

Goals from Sergio Aguero, Bernardo Silva and Fernandinho gave the home side a commanding lead with De Bruyne eventually brought on to the delight of supporters.

There was no inspired return to the first-team - despite Riyad Mahrez and Leroy Sane going onto score - but the 27-year-old still reminded everybody why he's one of the world's best midfielders.

Incredible De Bruyne pass vs Burnley

In the aftermath of the Burnley victory, a video has been doing the rounds on Twitter that shows De Bruyne making an incredible pass on his return.

The caption of the video says it all, with user @stevenmcinerney writing: "Watched this about a hundred times and I've still no idea how KDB saw this pass. He'd been on the pitch for about 3 minutes. He's a freak."

De Bruyne sensationally took the Burnley defence out of the game, despite having his back to goal initially, and the move was simply lacking a better finish.

Check out the video below:

Vision and passing are second nature to De Bruyne.

If the Belgian midfielder can rediscover the form of last season, then City have a brilliant chance of becoming the first team to retain the Premier League title since 2009.

There is just so much talent in Guardiola's squad that the addition of a fully firing De Bruyne would see them quietly gobble up points week after week.

Of course, Chelsea and Liverpool will remain hot on their heels and they'll need Salah and Eden Hazard to produce moments of individual brilliance themselves.

As Guardiola said himself before the game: “He is a guy who will help us achieve.

“Kevin is quick. There is no pain, he is so strong. He needs minutes that is why playing 30 minutes is important.

“We will see about Shakhtar. He has three years together, so when we say something he knows straight away what to do."

Do you think De Bruyne is the best player in the Premier League? Have your say in the comments section below.