De Bruyne expects Haaland to handle 'pressure' but warns Man City striker needs 'time'

Kevin De Bruyne said he expects Erling Haaland to handle the pressure of being Manchester City's new superstar but warned the Norwegian striker will need time to settle.

Haaland joined City from Borussia Dortmund for €55 million in one of the most high-profile transfers of the summer. Despite only recently turning 22, Haaland is already regarded as one of world football's leading strikers having scored 61 goals in 66 Bundesliga appearances and 23 goals in just 19 Champions League games.

His arrival at City, who won the Premier League title last season without a recognised striker, raises expectations that the club will not only extend their domestic dominance but end their wait for the Champions League trophy.

Indeed, Haaland's first appearance for City has hardly helped to temper those expectations after he scored the winning goal in the 1-0 pre-season victory over Bayern Munich on Saturday.

“I think it’s normal for the fans to be excited about him [Haaland], you just look at his track record as a striker and he’s already one of the best in the world," De Bruyne, 31, said. "If you sign someone like that then there is going to be a lot of expectation but it doesn’t feel like he’s feeling the pressure so far.

“He’s doing really well, the quality he has in front of goal is well known. He’s not done that much with us, coming back slowly. Let’s give him some time but he’ll be sharp and ready when he needs to be. In the first game of the season if he’s there I’m sure everyone will be looking but he’s signed for five or six years, I think he’ll score a couple of goals in that time.

"As a midfielder, it’s always good to see a player like him come in. If a striker wants to score goals, I will try to help him do that."

While much