Board Thread:Questions and Answers/@comment-25908228-20141222101442/@comment-184.88.192.4-20171227010145

I think it depends on whether you're going by the anime or light novel. In the light novels, it's stated several times that Kirito will never be as strong as he was in SAO because he's no longer fighting a game of death (and various other reasons, though I think he gains some of his mojo back in Alicization). He's still a very strong player, but it's not the same. There are also several times throughout the novels where Kirito insists Asuna's stronger, and vice versa. However, if I remember correctly, in the Alicization arc, I do recall Kirito thinking about how Asuna is stronger, not only in the game but as a person, and how he values her insight and intelligence, and basically says he doesn't know what he'd do without her.

Unfortunately, the LN and anime don't align in plenty of places. I still enjoy the anime, but the LN is far superior I think. Less harem and more intriguing thoughts on fantasy and technology.