Chelsea stars have tipped Belgium team-mate Kevin De Bruyne to shine in the Premier League

New Manchester City signing Kevin De Bruyne has been tipped to light up the Premier League

KEVIN DE BRUYNE has been tipped to set the Premier League alight by title rivals Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard.

 

De Bruyne underlined the game-changing qualities that prompted Manchester City to pay a club-record £54m for him by setting up Marouane Fellaini's first goal for Belgium before scoring a stunning second in the Euro 2016 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Brussels on Thursday.

And Chelsea pair Courtois and Hazard both predict their international team-mate will have no problem handling the expectations that will accompany his huge fee, despite his false start at Stamford Bridge two years ago when Jose Mourinho didn't think he would make the grade.

 

Goalkeeper Courtois said: "Kevin showed his quality and mental strength. Even after two weeks of negotiations and difficult days he managed to play a very good game and he helped to secure us the victory.

"It is very good for him and we are looking forward to having him in the Premier League where I know he will show his quality."

Winger Hazard added: "Kevin has the qualities to impose himself. He showed last season at Wolfsburg that he is a great player. He has something to prove [in England] and it can only be good for the national team."

Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard have high hopes for De Bruyne in the Premier League

Attacking midfielder De Bruyne, 24, says that after a summer of intense speculation over his future he is glad he can now concentrate on his City career - he is set to make his debut in the top of the table clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park next Saturday.

"The transfer window is closed and now I can just play," he said. "That's what I prefer to do. I know that the media and the supporters will be there in numbers for the start of my career with Manchester City but that's normal.

"Everyone talked a lot about my transfer - a little too much, I think - but in the end I have to prove my worth on the pitch. That's what's most important. The week's preparation with Belgium did me a lot of good and I'm happy after the last couple of weeks, which were a bit hectic."