Steph Houghton says she is 'full of admiration' for new defensive partner Abby Dahlkemper.

The United States star and World Cup winner signed for City in January and made her debut for the Club a matter of days after arriving in Manchester, playing her part in our last three wins.

While it can take time for a player to settle in a new country and for partnerships to develop, Houghton says she has been very impressed with her new teammate’s level of quality and seamless transition into life in sky blue.

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“Abby’s fitted straight in,” she told ManCity.com. “To have a player of that quality - with her experience of winning big games, playing for the United States’ National Team - is an unbelievable addition to our squad.

“She’s been good over the last few games. It takes time: learning how each other plays but I’m full of admiration for how she plays the game.

“As a back four, we all work well together - whoever is playing. It’s about all of us making sure that - no matter who is playing - we try to concede as little as possible, playing the right way.

“Hopefully, we’ll continue to develop that relationship over the course of the season.”

Facing West Ham, Manchester United and Arsenal in her first three appearances, Dahlkemper was very much thrown into the deep end of FA Women’s Super League action.

With nine points from nine, nine goals scored and just one goal conceded, the United States star has enjoyed a dream start to her career at the Academy Stadium.

Speaking in a press conference whilst on international duty, the defender explained she has learned a lot already from her short spell at the Club - particularly the importance of the Manchester Derby!

“I’m very thankful to be given the opportunity to play in England with City,” she declared.

“I can’t say enough good things about the environment and the coaches. My coaches and teammates have made the transition smooth.

“I’m driving to be the best player and person I can be. Playing overseas provides a new challenge and it’s exciting - an opportunity I really couldn’t pass up.

“I’ve learned a lot over the three weeks and hopefully, I’ll continue to learn and help the team to win games.

“It speaks volumes to the type of league (the WSL is) that I was able to be thrown into really good games.

“It was a pleasure to learn about the history of the Manchester Derby and participate in that, first-hand.

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“It was everything they said it was - physically and mentally very demanding and intense... You can feel the emotion when you’re on the pitch.

“It’s been good. There are so many world-class players across so many teams. Each game presents a new challenge.

“I’m really excited to be there and have gotten minutes with my team - and for us to have gained the results we have is huge.

“It’s going to be a really good title race - hopefully, down to the end.”