Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne says this season’s Premier League title battle is “remarkable” and he is enjoying the competition.

City won the title at a canter last term as they had the league wrapped up with five games to spare and finished with an incredible 100-point haul – 19 clear of nearest challengers Manchester United.

The holders have their work cut out to retain the title they are currently second in the standings, four points behind pacesetters Liverpool and five ahead of Spurs in third.

City are 2.20 to win the Premier League outright, Liverpool are 1.67 and Tottenham are 51.00.

“There’s two teams and even Tottenham, who have so many points at this stage of the season,” De Bruyne told reporters.

“It’s quite remarkable because in a lot of seasons you would already be 10 or 12 points ahead, but this season it’s tight and I like it. “I like it to be competitive. In the end that’s what it’s all about.”

De Bruyne has struggled with injury this season and the Belgian made his first start since Boxing Day in City’s 3-0 win at Huddersfield on Sunday.

The midfielder admits his time on the treatment table has been tough and hopes to play a key role going forward after a stop-start first half of the season.

“I’m getting better obviously,” De Bruyne added. “You need the run of games where you play a lot because I’m not used to playing every three days. But I’m getting there.

I’m happy with the way I’m performing. It’s not the same like it was last year, but that’s what you can expect.”