Former Wolfsburg coach Dieter Hecking believes Kevin de Bruyne has stepped up a level this season.
Hecking coached the Manchester City star at VfL.
"It was important that we tried to gain his trust and get into conversation with him, as he was very introverted and reserved at the time," Hecking told the Manchester Evening News. "In general, the word of a footballer with such qualities usually carries a lot of weight in a team, but Kevin didn't want that for a long time. He just wanted to play football.
"We tried to help and encourage him to take a leading role. That's why I was very happy to see Kevin wearing the captain's armband at Manchester City in the last games. He seems to be taking on more responsibility there as well."