The pair could cost the club over £100 million depending on future success, but it is the former Chelsea and Wolfsburg man who has made the more impressive start to the season
Sergio Aguero finally got back to form on Saturday with his record-breaking five-goal haul, but it was a mixed afternoon for two of Manchester City's big-money summer arrivals.
Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling were brought in at great expense to lighten the load on the Argentina striker, who has been heavily relied upon to find the net and in fact scored 31 per cent of his team’s goals in the league last season.
But while De Bruyne helped himself to a goal and two assists after the break against Newcastle, Sterling was withdrawn at half-time following a disappointing first half.
The two could cost the club over £100 million between them, but since De Bruyne came into the team he has fared far better than the former Liverpool man.
Sterling was hailed for helping to bring a greater balance to the City side in his first few games, with essentially all of his team-mates playing brilliantly, and especially left-back Aleksandar Kolarov.
But as City's form took a slide, starting with defeat to Juventus, Sterling grew increasingly ineffective. He missed two great chances against Juve, was subbed off against West Ham and had a shocker at White Hart Lane. In 45 minutes against Newcastle on Saturday he struggled to beat Daryl Janmaat and was taken off for Jesus Navas. Kolarov’s form has withered, too.
De Bruyne, meanwhile, has been largely brilliant since coming off the bench to make his debut at Crystal Palace. The four goals he has scored in his seven outings have only been tempered by one poor pass against Spurs, which led to their all-important equaliser.
With both men away with their respective national teams, we take a look at how they have settled into life at their new club.
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