"The whole package" - Guardiola claims underrated Manchester City star is one of the best players he has ever trained
Pep Guardiola has hailed Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan as one of the best players he has coached in his illustrious managerial career.
The Spanish tactician made Gundogan his first signing in July 2016, and ever since then, the German midfielder has been a key cog in his starting XI. He has registered 56 goals and 38 assists in 298 appearances across competitions for the club.
Gundogan barely has a weak point in his game. He can score as well as create, and does the defensive part of his role with due diligence. The 32-year-old is one of the calmest players in possession and often pops up with big moments when his team needs it the most.
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder's latest exploits came in the form of a crucial brace in his team's 2-1 league win against Leeds United on May 6.
Speaking ahead of his team's first-leg UEFA Champions League semi-final match against Real Madrid on Tuesday (May 9), Guardiola said, via the Mirror:
"I remember one season when we won, maybe the second Premier League, Fernandinho was injured for a long time and he played as a holding midfielder. In games like Burnley, long balls, second balls, and he played - wow! I had the feeling that without him we wouldn’t be able to win the Premier League."
He added:
"He's so intelligent, Gundo. So clever. So competitive. Under pressure, he handles it without a problem. He’s one of the best players I ever trained in my career. The whole package. He’s top, top class."
Guardiola could be referring to Manchester City's 1-0 away league win against Burnley in gameweek 36 of the 2018-19 season. With Fernandinho out, Gundogan played in defensive midfield and helped his team to a 1-0 win. The Cityzens won the league by one point that campaign.
Barcelona confident of signing Manchester City star amidst Pep Guardiola's pleas - Reports
Barcelona are reportedly confident of signing Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan despite Pep Guardiola's pleas to hold on to the player.
The German midfielder's contract at the Etihad expires this summer, and as per 90min, Barca are keen to sign him before the end of May. The player's family is apparently keen to live in Spain, and the Blaugrana have offered him a two-year contract with the option of a third.
Barcelona could be set to lose Sergio Busquets as a free agent this summer. There have been reports that Lionel Messi could urge Barca to keep hold of the legendary Spanish midfielder if he returns to Catalonia.
However, that situation is conditional. There is every chance that Xavi Hernandez could have to start the next season without Busquets (34).