Manchester City’s talisman Kevin de Bruyne is well-versed in identifying world-class talent, particularly in the attacking midfield role he has made his own.
And it appears he believes that Leeds United may have secured a gem in the final days of the summer transfer window, one that could make waves in the Championship.
De Bruyne had firsthand experience facing off against Manor Solomon when Manchester City met Shakhtar Donetsk in the group stages of the 2019/20 Champions League.
Solomon left his mark that day, netting a late equaliser at the Etihad Stadium, moments before Pep Guardiola substituted De Bruyne. It was a performance that caught the eye, and it’s clear the Belgian maestro still holds Solomon in high regard.
As De Bruyne’s Belgium prepare to take on Solomon’s Israel in their Nations League opener, the spotlight will again fall on the Israeli playmaker, whose performance could be pivotal to his side’s hopes of pulling off a shock result.
Kevin de Bruyne’s Praise for Leeds United’s Manor Solomon
Solomon’s loan move to Leeds United, following an injury-plagued spell at Tottenham Hotspur, may have flown under the radar for some.
However, the 25-year-old wasted no time in making a statement with a sparkling debut performance during Leeds’ 2-0 victory over Hull City last week.
Showing the kind of flair and agility that once troubled De Bruyne and his Manchester City teammates, Solomon looks ready to rediscover his best form.
“I know Manor Solomon from the Premier League,” De Bruyne said, speaking to One. “From Fulham, Tottenham, and now he has moved to Leeds. He has the qualities to play at this level. He is an excellent player.”
De Bruyne, who is expected to win his 106th cap for Belgium in Friday night’s clash, didn’t stop there.
He also highlighted another of Israel’s brightest talents, Oscar Gloukh, a young star developing at RB Salzburg, a club renowned for producing top-tier talent such as Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
“I also know Oskar Gloukh,” De Bruyne added. “We’ve watched clips from Israel’s games, both defensively and offensively. This is a new team. There are qualities in Israel, and we will try to create problems for them.”
Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco echoed De Bruyne’s sentiments, emphasising the quality of Israel’s attacking players.
“They have a new coach and have only played two games under him, so it’s not easy to say too much,” Tedesco explained.
“But they have players like Manor Solomon and Oskar Gloukh, who have played at the highest levels. They come hungry and brave, and it seems they want to play football even when they are pressed.”
Tottenham Loanee Offsets Georginio Rutter’s Departure
Solomon’s arrival at Leeds offers a potential solution to the club’s recent struggles in the attacking third, particularly following the departure of Georginio Rutter.
The Israeli winger, once a target for Premier League sides like Aston Villa and West Ham, has already shown his pedigree, with his display against Hull offering a tantalising glimpse of what he can bring to Daniel Farke’s side.
During that match, Solomon’s technical prowess and ability to glide past defenders were on full display. Former Leeds coach Neil Redfearn was full of praise, telling BBC Radio Leeds:
“I thought Solomon was man of the match, to be honest with you. He’s got a quality that’s better than this level. You can see that. In the first 20 minutes, it was like tackling smoke. He was unplayable at times.”
Redfearn also highlighted Solomon’s versatility, suggesting the 25-year-old could be deployed in a more central role.
“Solomon and [Wilfried] Gnonto have both got the ability to get out of tight areas. I like Solomon a lot, and I can see him as a ten because I think he’s clever enough.”
Solomon’s arrival at Elland Road has sparked excitement among Leeds fans, and if his early performances are anything to go by, he could well prove to be the spark that propels Leeds back towards the top of the Championship table.