Despite his standing as the second most expensive player in the history of English football, Kevin De Bruyne believes that playing with David Silva will spur him on to reach greater levels.
The Belgian cost Manchester City a club record £54 million when he joined from Wolfsburg at the end of the transfer window.
And after scoring 16 goals for the German Cup winners last season, he opened his City account on his first start for his new club, although it was not enough to prevent them losing 2-1 to West Ham on Saturday.
But World Cup winner Silva was missing with a calf problem that flared up in the warm-up and De Bruyne is looking forward to teaming up with the Spaniard.
"Obviously David is a very good player and very important for this team," he said. "I can only get better if I play with great players. This team has a lot of great players. It's a little bit different than it was, I think when I know the team a bit better I will get even more of the ball."
Silva's absence meant that De Bruyne operated as the No.10 for City but he is confident he can slot in on either the left or right wing if required.
"I can play the three positions," he said. "I did the same at Wolfsburg and the teams before. Obviously even if I am on the 10 I change so much the position. I think you need to do that if you play against teams like West Ham who are defending with nine men."
De Bruyne has insisted he is unworried by the size of his transfer fee, which was the biggest ever to involve a Bundesliga club.
"I am adapting well to the team," he said. "It is just the beginning so I don't feel any pressure. I just try to play my game."