'Very similar' - Kevin de Bruyne makes huge Rasmus Hojlund comparison with Man City star
Man Utd loanee Rasmus Hojlund stole the show as Napoli picked up their first win of the Champions League campaign.
Kevin de Bruyne believes Rasmus Hojlund is 'very similar' to Erling Haaland after he scored twice for Napoli in their 2-1 win over Sporting in the Champions League.
The Manchester United loanee was assisted by the Man City legend for the two goals of the match, as Napoli picked up their first European points of the campaign. Hojlund opened the scoring when he latched onto a brilliant through ball from De Bruyne and fired past the goalkeeper, before he grabbed his second goal when he headed in from the Belgian's cross to regain their lead in the second half.
On the same night Haaland scored twice for Man City in their 2-2 draw with Monaco, Hojlund was just as clinical from the only two efforts he had in the match against Sporting.
"We played a great game, but Sporting are strong and played a great game with technique and intensity. We created chances, but then the penalty was a bit of a stupid mistake. We deserved the win today," De Bruyne was quoted by Corriere dello Sport.
"I was trying to get into that space for the first goal and was waiting for the right moment to pass it to Rasmus, luckily he did the rest. I think Rasmus is growing a lot and is very similar to Haaland. I think they are very similar because they both like to attack the depth. Maybe Hojlund comes to play the ball towards us more, but I think he needs to attack the space a lot because he can score and give us a big hand."
It means Hojlund now has three goals in five matches since he joined Napoli on loan in the summer, though his scoring exploits in the Champions League might not be much of a surprise to United fans. Although he struggled during his time at Old Trafford, Hojlund actually scored five goals in his six Champions League appearances for the club, with his style of play better suited to the European stage.
Hojlund has joined Napoli on an initial season-long loan move with an obligation for the deal to be made permanent for £38million next summer if he plays in enough matches and they qualify for the Champions League.
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