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Erling Haaland: Kevin De Bruyne chemistry key for Manchester City

Haaland believes his connection with De Bruyne has been a big factor in his early success in the Premier League.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne in action during training at Manchester City Football Academy on September 29, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty - Manchester City/Manchester City FC via Getty Images)
Matt McNulty - Manchester CityGetty

Manchester City signed Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund big they could not have imagined a better start to life with the Norwegian striker.

Haaland, 22, believes the chemistry he has forged with City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has been a big factor in his early success at the Premier League champions.

Against Manchester United on Sunday, Haaland took his tally for the season to 14 Premier League goals in City’s 6-3 thrashing of their cross-city rivals.

City produced a sensational display at the Etihad to beat their neighbours with Haaland and Phil Foden hat-tricks in the Manchester derby.

De Bruyne key

De Bruyne has created four of Haaland’s league goals, including two in Sunday’s derby.

“It’s insane, the passes, we find each other,” Haaland told City’s website in an interview published on Monday.

“I have only been at the club a couple of months, but the chemistry feels so natural. This may be the best part.

“It’s natural, that I go on the run, and he finds me. When this feels natural, there is nothing better.

“It is fantastic, it is really something special, but we cannot forget about the others. Kevin is one player, but I could stand there all day and talk about everybody else. It is not only him, but there are also so many others and other amazing passes.”

Premier League top scorer

Haaland has only needed eight Premier League games to score three hat-tricks. He scored back-to-back hat-tricks in his fourth and fifth Premier League appearances against Crystal Palace and new boys Nottingham Forest.

The former Dortmund man is on 14 Premier League goals for the season, seven ahead of Harry Kane in second place.

Champions League goals

His three Champions League goals for City this season take his tally to 17 for the season in all competitions. The Norway international has also provided three league assists for Guardiola’s men, including two for Phil Foden on Sunday.

City take on Copenhagen in the Champions League on Wednesday, another opportunity for City’s number nine to add to his incredible start to 2022-23.