Ilkay Gundogan has shared the pitch with some top players during his time at Manchester City.
Having made over 300 appearances for City during his first spell at the Etihad Stadium between 2016 and 2023, the midfielder made a return to the club earlier this week.
Despite signing a three-year deal with Barcelona last summer, the 33-year-old made his way back to the Manchester club having signed a one-year deal with an option for another.
Upon his arrival back at City, Gundogan shared his thoughts on one particular player he will be sharing the dressing room with once again.
Ilkay Gundogan heaps praise on Rodri after Man City return
When asked in a recent interview shared on the official Man City website where he thinks Rodri ranks in terms of his ability in world football right now, Gundogan had this to say in response.
He said: “On the highest level, I would say.
“He doesn’t get so much credit because he’s playing a position that doesn’t score, assists, or it’s not so much on the scoresheet all the time. But for me, he’s one of the best players right now in the world.
“Not just because he won so many trophies, especially recently, also, because he’s so smart, he doesn’t do any mistakes.
“He is always there. He’s barely injured. He plays all the games and all the games on such a high level. And on top of that, he’s a great guy. He’s a very great, great guy. He’s humble, he’s down to earth. He’s just an amazing person and that combination I think makes him irreplaceable.
“He’s someone that if there’s someone maybe in our team right now that is irreplaceable, for me it’s definitely Rodri. He’s such an important puzzle piece and he deserves to be named with the best players in the world. Definitely.”
Rodri is one of the best players in the world
Prior to the German’s return to City, Rodri said that he thinks Gundogan is underrated, showing that they both view each other in the same light in terms of their recognition in world football.
During their time together in Pep Guardiola’s side, the two midfielders have appeared in 150 games together across all competitions.
Last season, while Gundogan was in Barcelona, City lost three Premier League games in total, which happened to be the three games that Rodri was unavailable for through suspension.
Having then gone on to help Spain win the 2024 European Championship over the summer, there’s no denying that the 28-year-old plays a vital role for his club and country on the pitch.
