By the numbers: De Bruyne sparkles in 100th Manchester City appearance

Is there a more influential player in English football - or even in Europe?

Kevin De Bruyne was inspirational for Manchester City once more Saturday, dizzying Stoke City's midfield with his unmatched work rate and slicing open its defence with impeccable artistry. The host battered its visitor by a 7-2 scoreline.

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It was his 100th match across all competitions for the club, which is a convenient juncture to assess his numbers since moving back to England from VfL Wolfsburg in 2015:

1 - The Genk product has won just one medal with the club - hoisting the League Cup in his maiden term with City in 2015-16 - but few would bet against him adding to his collection this season.

2 - De Bruyne recorded two assists in the weekend wrangle with Stoke. He also played telling, incisive passes which preceded the assists for City's opening two conversions.

3 - City's No. 17 stepped in with three interceptions before his 66th-minute substitution - more than any of his colleagues managed in the whole match.

6 - De Bruyne completed six accurate long balls against the Potters. Out of everyone on the pitch, Fernandinho came closest to that count with five.

9 - Number of appearances De Bruyne made for Chelsea (three each in the Premier League, League Cup, and Champions League) before Jose Mourinho sanctioned his transfer to Wolfsburg. Error.

25 - De Bruyne boasts a record of one goal every four matches from midfield. Not too shabby.

38 - De Bruyne has crafted 38 assists in 100 matches across all competitions for City after teeing up two against Stoke.

68 - No player in Europe's top five leagues has recorded as many assists as De Bruyne since the 2012-13 term. He's level with Lionel Messi.

100 - Percentage of take-ons completed by De Bruyne on Saturday.