“One of the most intelligent players” – Pep Guardiola praised the Barcelona midfielder
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who coached Ilkay Gundogan at City, has praised the Barcelona midfielder.
Barcelona's signing of Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer last summer proved to be a tremendous asset.
The Germany international has quickly become a key player for the Blaugranas, showing his exceptional quality and technical prowess.
Gundogan has also played a crucial role in Man City's dominance in Europe and the Premier League in recent seasons. He earned a reputation as a clutch player, scoring a number of important goals in games where it mattered most.
In a recent interview with the German magazine Stern, as quoted by The sports worldGuardiola recalled his time with Gundogan, describing him as “one of the most intelligent players he ever coached”.
The Spanish coach highlighted Gundogan's quiet but impactful leadership style, saying:
“İlkay didn't speak much, but when he did, everyone listened, including me as a coach. He was clear and direct. He is a very intelligent player, one of the most intelligent players I have ever coached. He was the key to our success”,
Guardiola also emphasized Gundogan's versatility, noting his effectiveness in various central midfield roles and his skill in tight spaces.
He added that Gundogan is not only an experienced player, but also a reliable scorer, capable of scoring between ten and fifteen goals per season.
Pep he said: :
“A player can be fast, he can have a good shot, but what makes him stand out from the rest and become an elite player is his intelligence. Making the right decisions under pressure, knowing what the team needs at each moment, that's the kind of player I'm looking for. I just had to explain everything to İlkay. This is extraordinary.”
Last season, Gundogan was a regular feature under Xavi, starting in 87% of league games, making 36 La Liga appearances while contributing 5 goals and 9 assists. (Transfer mark)
As Gundogan continues to shine at Barcelona, Guardiola's high regard for Germany highlights the immense value he brings to any team he joins.
