Why Kevin De Bruyne Is Key to Champions League Success for Manchester City

It takes a special player to return to one of Europe's top sides after a two-month injury layoff and change the whole complexion of the way they play, inspiring them to two excellent results in the space of five days.

Fortunately for Manchester City and Manuel Pellegrini, who were struggling to lift themselves and find the extra gear they need to finish the season strongly, they have a special player.

Kevin De Bruyne was brilliant again for City in Paris on Wednesday evening as they secured a superb 2-2 draw with French champions Paris Saint-Germain to give themselves a real chance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.

A season that has disappointed in many ways could be set to take on a different feel, and the 24-year-old has been central to their recent renaissance.

The Belgian suffered a knee injury in late January, twisting it as he fell in the Capital One Cup semi-final second leg with Everton at the Etihad Stadium. City fans and staff knew he would be a loss, but the extent to which his absence caused them to collapse took everyone by surprise. His return has been well-timed and inspirational. 

"

Happy with the result and the team performance yesterday... Glad for everyone at Wolfsburg, big result! #UCL pic.twitter.com/dLNl2S8qMo

— Kevin De Bruyne (@DeBruyneKev) April 7, 2016"

At Bournemouth on Saturday, as City won 4-0 and had the game wrapped up inside half an hour, he orchestrated everything, giving the team a rhythm and excitement in attack they have lacked in recent weeks.

And at the Parc des Princes, in City's biggest European tie since the club's 2008 takeover, he was again instrumental, scoring the opener and providing quality in possession. He was the best player on the pitch. 

Clive Rose/Getty Images

The weight of his passing is near perfect. He links up superbly with City's other forwards, who know if they give the ball to De Bruyne, it'll come back exactly where they want it. He'll take shots from distance where others won't. And his finishing when given a chance, as he has shown in both matches since his comeback, is lethal. 

"I think that a lot of times one player can change a team," Pellegrini said after the draw with PSG. "Kevin was very important before the injury, and fortunately for us he has returned the same way."

He's operated in the No. 10 role since his return and revelled. David Silva, struggling for form and playing with ankle pain, has been moved to the left. De Bruyne is having such a telling influence it's likely to remain that way for some time.

MARTIN BUREAU/Getty Images

Some believe Silva is a fading force, a player unable to influence games as he once did. His obituaries have been horribly premature, but in De Bruyne, City have identified their long-term replacement for a player who has been one of the most influential in their recent history. 

City's transfer policy is often questioned. Have they brought in the right calibre of player in recent windows? Have they got value for money? With De Bruyne, there are no question marks. Even at £54 million, a club-record fee, everyone can see they have landed a star for years to come. 

City needed some inspiration, and the Belgian has offered it. They are in a strong position to reach the last four of Europe's elite club competition for the first time. If they are to get there, there's no doubt they will owe a huge thanks to De Bruyne.

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.