Erling Haaland Lauds "Massive" Kevin De Bruyne After Man City Playmaker's Four Assists Against Luton

Erling Haaland has said that he loves playing with Kevin De Bruyne after the midfielder assisted him for four of his five goals in Tuesday's 6-2 win at Luton.

Erling Haaland has said that he loves playing with Kevin De Bruyne after the Belgian midfielder assisted him for four of his five goals in Tuesday's 6-2 win at Luton Town.

De Bruyne has only played in 12 games so far this season - having missed five months with a hamstring injury - but he has now recorded 11 assists, as well as scoring two goals himself.

Speaking after Tuesday's emphatic victory at Luton in the FA Cup, Haaland told ITV Sport: "Kevin De Bruyne is massive.

"He is doing what he is best at. It's a pleasure playing with him. We know what we both want from each other. It clicks well. He is a smart player and I like to play with him."

Like De Bruyne, Haaland has missed a significant chunk of City's season due to an injury.

However, he appears to have regained match sharpness since returning from an eight-week lay-off on January 31.

The Norwegian continued: "My fitness? I am getting back to my best.

"Finally I am feeling good. It's an amazing feeling. It's coming, we're coming. Exciting times ahead. We are ready to attack."

Erling Haaland pictured (center) celebrating after scoring five goals for Manchester City in a 6-2 win over Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup :: IMAGO/PA Images/Mike Egerton

City manager Pep Guardiola also spoke to ITV on Tuesday night and he praised both Haaland and De Bruyne.

Guardiola said: "Really, really good. Erling is on fire and Kevin... the connection was perfect."

He added: "Kevin needs players like Erling and Erling needs players like Kevin. We are not here without the other guys. A lot of credit for everyone."

Haaland has now scored 27 goals in 30 games for City this season.

He is currently sixth on the list of City's all-time leading scorers, having netted 79 times in 83 appearances since signing from Borussia Dortmund in July 2022.

De Bruyne is fourth on that list with 98 goals in 368 matches.

Haaland pictured hugging Man City teammate Kevin De Bruyne during a game last year :: IMAGO/PA Images/Bradley Collyer