Our Roy is known for his searing hot-takes on players, with scolding put-downs and hilarious jibes at under performing stars. It takes an awful lot to impress the Corkonian, so it's noticeable when he describes a player as "special".
It's perhaps more notable that that player plays for Manchester City - Keane's old rivals.
Kevin de Bruyne was exceptional for City as they knocked PSG out of the Champions League - and his display was good enough to make Keane sit up and take notice.
De Bruyne scored a cracking goal in a great performance that has been typical of his good season. Despite not playing many games due to injury, Keane says he's already becoming City's go-to man.
95 - Kevin de Bruyne scores/assists a goal every 95 minutes, the best ratio for an English club player this season (15+ GA, all comps). Hit.
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) April 12, 2016
De Bruyne is City's form player and he effects big games. His goal last night, that's not even half a chance
Sometimes you don't appreciate a player until he is missing. That is what City have found this year with him. The boy is something special, he affects games. The goals he has scored, the assists, his movement. Top, top player.
It certainly makes a big change for Keane, and it's strange that he's not blasting players for a lack of effort or showing off. It hasn't been too long since Keane was blasting City for being torturous - and it looks like the return from injury of De Bruyne is the big difference.
