Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Ilkay Gundogan is one of Manchester City’s most important players, following his wonderful display against Everton.
Gundogan scored two brilliant goals at Goodison Park, and also assisted for Erling Haaland in a 3-0 win.
The German is hitting his best form just at the right time for City, as he usually tends to at this stage of the season.
Gundogan’s first goal has generated a huge response since the game.
It is without doubt a Goal of the Month contender and quite possibly a Goal of the Season contender too.
It left Roy Keane amazed on Sunday, and Jamie Carragher also said last night on Monday Night Football that he thinks it’s Goal of the Season.
Gundogan’s Germany teammate Thomas Muller was also left wowed.
The £20 million signing really stepped up in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian was rested against Everton, with Real Madrid coming to the Etihad Stadium in Wednesday.
There has been a lot of praise showered on Gundogan since his performance against Everton.
And Ferdinand spoke about him on his YouTube channel, stating just how important he is for City.
He said: “Listen, he’s one of their most important players. When the pressure’s on he takes the ball anywhere on the pitch. He gets vital goals like we see at the weekend. He’s the captain of the team.
“When the captaincy (vote) was put to the team, his was the name they put forward. And I’m not surprised.
Rio Ferdinand is right – Ilkay Gundogan is absolutely one of Manchester City’s most important players
Even before his four-goal haul in the last two games, Gundogan was one of City’s most important players.
The maestro is just a wonderful footballer, capable of playing several different midfield roles all to the highest standard.
Pep Guardiola said after the game that he can do everything and he also talked up his professionalism and the respect he commands off everyone in the dressing room.
With these things in mind, how can someone like this not be one of the most important players of the team?
He may not start every single game. But he shows time and time again that invaluable knack for coming in clutch when his team needs him to.
