Kevin De Bruyne's Return Galvanises Manchester City Ahead of PSG Tie

Kevin De Bruyne’s return to the Manchester City starting lineup was so impressive, so overwhelmingly good, it raised the question: If he’d been fit for the last two months, would Manuel Pellegrini be on the brink of a second Premier League title in three seasons?

Of course, no one could say for sure, but City played with such a freedom in their 4-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday, a game that was over as a contest inside 20 minutes, that you couldn’t help but wonder what would have been had the Belgian not injured his knee in the League Cup semi-final second leg against Everton at the end of January.

The handbrake came off at Dean Court in a way it hasn’t for a long time. City had taken four points from a possible 18 going into the game—one win in six. Their title hopes, which were still very much alive around a month ago, had faded badly. Securing a top-four finish is their priority, which isn’t anywhere near good enough for a side with their quality.

De Bruyne made a difference immediately. Playing in the No. 10 role, a decision Pellegrini made to ensure he was eased back into the side in terms of the amount of running he was asked to do, he orchestrated City’s attack with efficiency and beauty. His vision and passing ability brought an assuredness to their play—as well as a ruthlessness badly lacking during his layoff.

"

What a feeling, great to be back! pic.twitter.com/IEozLHhY6C

— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) 2 April 2016"

Those around him looked buoyed by his return. David Silva showed more willingness to get on the ball and create than he has done in weeks; his movement was exceptional. He knows if he gives the ball to De Bruyne and makes a clever run off a defender, he’s likely to get it back. There was a rhythm to City’s play once more.

Fernandinho dazzled with his energy, as he has done all season, and Fernando again provided a steadiness in midfield. Jesus Navas was a danger down the right. and Sergio Aguero, a player largely unaffected by City’s recent slump, once again looked sharp. The return of Samir Nasri, who came off the bench with just over 20 minutes remaining, topped the afternoon off.

"

"Feeling good!" Check-out a delighted @debruynekev's verdict following #afcbvcity. #mcfc  https://t.co/ZlLDm5nm5q

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) 2 April 2016"

“He is a very important player,” Pellegrini said of De Bruyne afterward. “Before he was injured he was coming up with good performances and was one of our top scorers, as well as playing very well.

“Playing near Kun gave him a little more space as a midfielder and meant he didn't have to work so hard as a midfielder—after two months, it is not easy to keep up a good pace. That will be very useful for him to come back in that way

“His return, and that of Samir Nasri, will give us a lot of important things. When you have all your important players together, it makes a difference.”

City scored four excellent goals, with De Bruyne’s, a side-footed volley that finished off some ingenious interplay between Aguero and Silva, arguably the pick of the bunch.

"

It was a beauty!

Was @DeBruyneKev's sublime strike our goal of the season so far?

➡ https://t.co/n80Cm9ZVzr #mcfc pic.twitter.com/Q6PHsqMp6v

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) 3 April 2016"

It’s too late for a title charge—City blew that with their form over the last six league games—but the return of De Bruyne is still a timely boost. They take on Paris Saint-Germain in the club’s first UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday and face a battle to secure a place in next season’s competition.

West Ham United’s draw at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday saw City put some daylight between themselves and Slaven Bilic’s side, with the pressure firmly on Manchester United, who face Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday. There's still plenty to play for.

City are dancing to De Bruyne’s tune once again, and they look all the better for it.

"

.@debruynekev enjoyed his return to action! 👍👍👍 #afcbvcity #mcfc https://t.co/PhPT62Sy8Z

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) 2 April 2016"

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard.