Kevin De Bruyne paid Arsenal the ultimate compliment following his Napoli side's 1-0 defeat to Mikel Arteta's team in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Manchester City midfielder, speaking after the match in Italy, described the Gunners as "the best team in the world right now," acknowledging their status as defending Premier League champions and recent finalists in Europe's premier club competition.
Martin Odegaard settled the encounter with a decisive goal, extending Arsenal's perfect start to the season to five consecutive victories. De Bruyne's assessment carries significant weight given his experience across Europe's elite competitions. He explained that Arsenal's quality forced Napoli into periods of defensive withdrawal, particularly during a second-half spell where the Italian side found themselves under sustained pressure. Despite the loss, the Belgian star highlighted positive moments for Napoli, including chances created during transitions that suggested tactical improvement over their earlier matches this campaign.
Arsenal's Dominant European Start
Arsenal's Champions League victory marked another statement of intent following their 2024 domestic success. The club won their first Premier League title since 2004 last season and reached the Champions League final, only to fall to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties. Arteta's squad now appears positioned to challenge on both fronts throughout 2025, combining tactical flexibility with attacking prowess that left even opposing midfielders impressed.
De Bruyne's candid assessment reflected Napoli's reality: when opponents operate at Arsenal's level, managing defensive shape becomes as important as creating chances. He acknowledged this tactical balance, noting that his team showed improvement compared to recent performances despite the result. Arsenal's ability to dominate possession while limiting Napoli's counterattacking threat demonstrated the defensive solidity underpinning their recent form.
The Gunners face their next test as they continue their pursuit of a second consecutive Premier League crown alongside a deeper European run, with De Bruyne's verdict serving as a timely reminder of where the Continental pecking order currently stands.
