Pep Guardiola: 'Hard to find players as good as Kevin De Bruyne'

Pep Guardiola has hailed Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, suggesting that players of "his quality" are difficult to find.

The Belgium international was instrumental in his side's 4-1 pre-season win over Real Madrid in Los Angeles, playing a hand in three goals.

However, Guardiola also suggested that De Bruyne's performance came about due to him being "in the right mood" and is hoping that he remains "stable" going into the new season.

"Since I arrived I've seen Kevin and when he's in the right mood, optimistic and happy, he makes a performance like this," Guardiola is quoted by The Mirror as saying.

"It's difficult to find a player with his quality, they're not easy to find. He's a guy who fights, passes, assists, who does many things.

"Hopefully he'll be stable in his mood. If he stays positive like the last three weeks, he's able to do what he wants."

De Bruyne joined City from Wolfsburg in 2015 for £55m, just a year after departing Chelsea.