Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has named Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan as one of the Premier League's most underrated players.
Gundogan has enjoyed a solid campaign for the Blues after being named captain following Fernandinho's departure in the summer. However, the talk surrounding the midfielder in 2023 has mainly been focused on his future.
The German is out of contract at the end of the season and, as of yet, it is unclear whether he will be at the Etihad Stadium beyond June. Barcelona have been heavily linked with the 32-year-old and it is claimed Xavi sees him as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.
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Speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Fulham, Neville told Sky Sports how important Gundogan is to Pep Guardiola's side. "You can go and ask the question who is the most underrated player in the league, and he’d be one that you’d mention because he’s absolutely fantastic for City," he explained.
"That midfield of him, Rodri and [Kevin] De Bruyne is very much the best. Rodri comes into the category as well, he’s vital for City, but Gundogan knits front to back, he’s a brilliant player, great character, he’s respected enormously by his teammates and since Pep Guardiola stopped rotating and, if you like, messing around with that back four, Bernardo Silva at left-back and all his main players, he’s still one of the first names on the teamsheet."
City's captain was pivotal for his team again this weekend as the Blues moved to the top of the Premier League. An Erling Haaland penalty and Julian Alvarez wonder strike secured an important three points in the title race.
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