Former boss Leekens backs De Bruyne to reach Messi, Ronaldo heights with Man City

Georges Leekens believes Kevin De Bruyne can join the top echelon of players in world football.

The 24-year-old joined City from Wolfsburg for £54.5million late in the summer transfer window and according to the man who gave him his Belgium debut as a teenager, the attacking midfielder is set for stardom.

De Bruyne struggled in his first stint in English football with Chelsea but Leekens is confident he is a more mature player these days.

"I think he can go to the highest level," said Leekens.

"I mean on the (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Eden Hazard level. He has already shown what he can do.

"He will grow. Wolfsburg are a good club but Manchester City is bigger and now it's the big jump. He's at the age now where he can start a big career at club and international level."

Of De Bruyne's failed transfer to Chelsea, Leekens added: "Financially Chelsea did a very good job, but maybe Kevin was not ready at the time or they had players in that position.

"I know Kevin, he's not patient. He will not wait until he gets a chance.

"He likes to get that chance today, he doesn't wait until tomorrow and that's Kevin's character."