Guardiola believes De Bruyne will rediscover best form

Kevin De Bruyne is regarded as the Premier League's best midfielder and has consistently been Manchester City's most effective player since Guardiola took charge of the club. 

The two-time PFA Premier League player of the year was on a spectacular run of form but missed two games through illness and has now attracted criticism for his form since his return to the team, which has coincided with Phil Foden's impressive form.

Guardiola revealed he had to speak with the Belgian midfielder at half-time during the game against Nottingham Forest because he was being 'too passive'. 

After that conversation and performance, De Bruyne followed that up with an even worse performance against Newcastle which saw him taken off after an hour. 

In spite of De Bruyne's drop in form, Guardiola believes the midfielder will be back to his best soon.

""Kevin, always the standards of Kevin are the sky," Guardiola said. 

"Everyone knows his level. In one week he has an opportunity to show his quality, delighted for the victory we had, this is what we have to do. Come back to principles, and work hard. 

"Everything will come back without any effort. Just do it your usual quality, your best."

City are next in action against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday as they look to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.