Hojlund is 'very similar to Haaland' claims De Bruyne after Napoli brace

Suraj Radia

2 Oct 2025 15:51 BST
4 min read

Rasmus Hojlund, Kevin de Bruyne, Napoli — © IMAGO

Kevin de Bruyne lauded praise on Rasmus Hojlund after the striker scored twice for Napoli in the Champions League and even compared the Manchester United loanee to his former teammate Erling Haaland.

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De Bruyne assisted both of Hojlund’s strikes in Napoli’s 2-1 win over Sporting on Wednesday, giving the Danish international his third goal since joining the Italian side from United on deadline day.

Current ETV

Rasmus Højlund

F (C)

Napoli

Rasmus Højlund

F (C)

Napoli

ETV Range

€42.4M - €51.9M

United allowed Hojlund to leave on loan in a move which will become permanent next summer for €44 million and De Bruyne offered the highest praise to the 22-year-old by stating the similarities between him and his former Manchester City co-star Haaland.

"It's a great night for him and it's going to help us get more goals with him,” De Bruyne said. "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.”

Hojlund hoping to emulate De Bruyne and Haaland relationship at Napoli

Hojlund arrived at Old Trafford with much hype after joining from Atalanta for €78m in 2023 but he struggled to show his best form in the Premier League, netting just 14 goals in 62 domestic games.

© IMAGO - Rasmus Hojlund and Kevin de Bruyne have already linked up well at Napoli.

United ultimately lost faith in Hojlund and replaced him with Benjamin Sesko this summer, forcing the youngster to secure a return to Italy late in the transfer window.

Hojlund netted on his debut for Napoli and appears to be finding some form after linking up with fellow new signing De Bruyne, who joined the Serie A champions on a free transfer from City in the summer.

"It was the night you dream of, playing in the Champions League,” Hojlund said. "Playing with an exceptional talent like Kevin De Bruyne is special. I just need to get into space and he'll get me the ball."

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