Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola believes Erling Haaland’s arrival can unlock Kevin de Bruyne’s goalscoring potential.
The Belgian was on the scoresheet as City ran out 4-0 winners over Bournemouth, providing an exquisite outside-of-the-foot finish to double his side’s lead in the first half. And Guardiola suggested it could be a sign of things to come from the midfielder following the addition of Erling Haaland.
“I don’t know the numbers, the last season was the most prolific season in terms of goals,” said the Spaniard. “It is important for us not just Julian [Alvarez] and Erling get the goals. As much Riyad [Mahrez], Kevin, Phil, even Bernardo [Silva] can score – is really important.
“We have more space for our strikers, the strikers create movement for our attacking midfielders. Kevin, before last season, was just assist, assist and now he is the pleasure to score goals. It was important he scored again.”
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The City boss was pleased with De Bruyne’s overall display, as the Belgian teed up Phil Foden to add his side’s third of the afternoon.
“When I was in Munich, De Bruyne played at Wolfsburg and I think he was the best player in the Bundesliga,” added Guardiola.
“Kevin was a really good player before our arrival, was good with us and will be after us. The goal he has done I was in his line and I said ‘no space’ and with this type of shot he scores. The assist for Phil came from him, so he did really well.”