City knew Belloumi would be a Premier League hit as 'real asset' verdict issued

Belloumi is in his third season with the Tigers now and having helped the club up to the Premier League, he is now playing at a level he has never been close to before in his career.

What's noticeable, though, is how well he seems to have adapted to the league, with the winger causing problems in all three of the club's top flight games so far. Manchester United's Luke Shaw found him tricky, he picked up the assist for Liam Millar's winner at Coventry and Ian Maatsen had his issues with the Algerian down that side, too, during City's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.

MKM Stadium regulars are more than aware of how good the winger can be with the ball at his feet, of course, and the Tigers knew Belloumi would be an instant hit in the Premier League, too.

"He's a top player, he's a fantastic player," Holden told Hull Live. "Obviously he's had his injuries but he's had a good pre-season, he's playing freely now, he's got some real good rhythm and every time he gets on the ball in those attacking areas, you think something is going to happen. For us to keep him fit and keep him on the pitch, it's going to be hugely important for us.

"I think he's proved last season as well that he can play in different systems. I don't think Mo cares too much, as long as he's around the halfway line with a ball at his feet, I don't think he cares who he's playing against or what system he's in or against.

"He loves those one on one duels and he's a magician with the ball at his feet. It's a system that suits a majority of the players at the moment and Mo fits into that.

"It's a new test for the a lot of the players [stepping up to the top flight]. There's not loads inside the changing room that have got Premier League experience but Mo has got real quality in terms of the way he plays the game and he's a real asset to us we're obviously delighted that he's fit and he's playing well."