Philipp Lahm has said that ex-Manchester City maestro Ilkay Gundogan is a similar player to Real Madrid icon Luka Modric.
In his column for the Guardian, the retired right-back gave his two cents on his former international teammate, who has signed for Barcelona after winning the treble in sky blue.
According to Philipp Lahm, Ilkay Gundogan brings similar qualities to the table as Luka Modric.
Philipp Lahm says Ilkay Gundogan and Luka Modric are similar midfielders
Branded as a ‘clever player’ by Phil Foden, the ex-Sky Blues captain proved once again last season why he is one of the best midfielders of his generation.
Whether it be through scoring clutch goals, controlling the tempo of a game or playing across every role in the middle of the park, the 32-year-old virtually guaranteed a masterclass during the business end of the campaign.
Philipp Lahm, who also played against Ilkay Gundogan during the peak of the rivalry between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund lauded him, whilst pinpointing the similarities in his game with Luka Modric.
“Players such as Gundogan and Modric do not possess that one skill. It is not physicality, speed, the one‑on‑one that makes them, not the perfect shot or an outstanding header. It is the sum of everything.”
Philipp Lahm elaborated on what makes Ilkay Gundogan and Luka Modric so alike, saying, “They give their teams order and structure. In every situation, they recalculate the chances and dangers – those for the opponent, those for their own team. They secure the ball, keep it in their ranks, recognise the moment to attack. Gundogan and Modric maintain the balance between defence and offence. They are specialists in managing risk on the pitch. That creates stability, security and control.”
High praise for Ilkay Gundogan
Philipp Lahm does make a fair point in the sense that while both Ilkay Gundogan and Luka Modric go about their business quietly, their ability to control the tempo of a game is what makes them such invaluable cogs to any side they play in.
Due to the fact that their actions are not loud, many might fail to notice how a match actually revolves around how they are making things tick.
The fact that Gundogan has been likened to Modric, who is regarded as one of, if not the best midfielder of all time is high praise.
And that too coming from one of the greatest players of all time in Lahm.
