Rio Ferdinand hailed Kevin de Bruyne as the 'jewel' in Manchester City's crown after the Belgian guided his side to a vital win against Newcastle with a goal and assist from the bench.
The Belgian made his goalscoring return to the Premier League following a long-term injury lay-off with a second half equaliser at St James' Park before assisting youngster Oscar Bobb for the winner.
De Bruyne's return to fitness is a major boost for City's ambitions of becoming the first-ever team to win four consecutive Premier League titles and Ferdinand warned rival teams that the playmaker's return could kick-start a new period of rich form.