Kevin De Bruyne has praised Pep Guardiola's influence at Manchester City, saying the club's style of play is the envy of teams around Europe.

City have a commanding 12-point lead over Manchester United at the top of the Premier League and have been praised for an attacking approach that has seen them score 21 more goals than their rivals.

De Bruyne has played a pivotal role in City's impressive campaign and is now focused on securing the title before linking up with Belgium for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"Guardiola has created something here," De Bruyne told Belgian radio station RTBF. "We're showing that we're one of the best teams in the world. We're playing in a certain way and a lot of teams would like to be able to play like us.

"He [Pep] has given me advice to help the team and when the team wins, I win too."

De Bruyne's form has already seen him equal last season's total of six goals in the Premier League, while the midfielder has also contributed 10 assists.

Kevin de Bruyne is enjoying a fine season for Manchester City. Getty

The 26-year-old admitted it is difficult to replicate City's approach with the Belgium national team when asked to compare Guardiola to Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

"I don't think we can compare them," he continued.

"Pep Guardiola has his own style, and I think there aren't five teams in the world that play like us. We have had time to improve the system because we see each other every day. In the national team, it's different. We have less time to work.

"It's a different playing style with the national team. It's almost impossible to create a playing style like at Manchester City. You need a coach who likes playing like that, you need players who can play like that. And also it takes time to work on that style.

"We have to create our own style of play in the national team."

Having recently signed a new contract to stay at City until 2023, De Bruyne has set his sights on becoming a club legend like captain Vincent Kompany.

"I'm happy to be liked by the fans, but we haven't won anything yet. I hope to become a club icon, like Vincent Kompany. I'm proud that a lot of people love me and like the way I play," he added.