Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne needs trophies to be best - Guardiola

MANCHESTER -- Kevin De Bruyne must win trophies if he is to be considered one of the world's greatest players, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said.

De Bruyne has been in outstanding form this season, with Stoke boss Mark Hughes hailing him as the best player in the Premier League after he helped City beat the Potters 7-2 on Saturday.

Guardiola, asked whether De Bruyne could become the best player in the world, said no one can compare to Lionel Messi and told a news conference: "The best is just one.

"If you want Kevin to be considered one of the best, he has to win titles. We are here to help him achieve that.

"But he is one of the best. It would be a dream for me, I would love all the players -- not just Kevin -- to achieve the level of Messi.

"I don't want to put the pressure on Kevin. He is an amazing player, a humble guy, all his teammates love him. He wants to play every game and fight until the end.

"But Messi is apart. He is a guy who scored 60 goals for the last eight, nine, 10 seasons. I want to help Kevin all I can to get to the highest level possible."

Guardiola, speaking ahead of the Champions League clash at home to Napoli on Tuesday, said Maurizio Sarri's side were one of the three best attacking teams in Europe.

"I like to watch them," he said. "I am a manager, a professional, but a spectator as well. I like to watch football and I like to watch Napoli when I am sat in my home.

"I love many, many things about a Sarri team. Tuesday is a big test. For me it is fascinating to have a challenge. Hopefully we can enjoy it."

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