JOELIKAN

Raheem Sterling says Manchester City attacker Kevin de Bruyne reminds him of former Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez.

City spent around £100million bringing the duo to the Etihad Stadium in the summer and De Bruyne especially has been an instant hit, scoring nine goals and assisting a further six in all competitions.

And England winger Sterling believes he is City’s answer to Barcelona forward Suarez.

“With Suarez, once he got in and around the box, you knew what he was capable of doing – usually it ended with a goal,” Sterling said.

“It’s the same with Kevin, he looks for other players … look at the assists he’s got already and he’s got goals in him regularly as well. Every team needs a player like that.”

De Bruyne was previously on the books at Chelsea but was sold to Wolfsburg after falling out with Jose Mourinho over a lack of game time.

The Blues have been left to rue their decision as the Belgian – who scored twice in the League Cup quarter-final victory over Hull City – has shone since returning to the Premier League.

“I didn’t see him much at Chelsea to be honest. Not many of us did, but if you saw him in Germany, the number of goals he was involved in, it was obvious he had quality,” Sterling added.

“It’s always a test for players to come to England, play regularly and contribute but that’s what he’s done. Credit to him, he’s been incredible.”