Pep Guardiola has highlighted the key role of Ilkay Gundogan – both on and off the pitch – for Manchester City.

The German midfielder has been in superb form of late operating in a slightly more offensive role, and after scoring against West Brom last week, Gundogan found the target again in Boxing Day’s 2-0 win over Newcastle which moved us up into the top five in the Premier League table.

And addressing the media ahead of Bank Holiday Monday’s vital league game at Everton, the City manager was effusive in his praise for the 30-year-old’s all-round influence and contribution.

“Ilkay is an incredible player and he is an incredible human first of all,” Guardiola asserted.

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“In the bad moments in the first season, he had an ACL (injury), but he’s an incredible person and competitor. He doesn’t feel the pressure.

“We put him close to Ferran (against Newcastle) - more forward - and he has the personality to play.

“He gives us the right tempo and he did really well.”

Play the video to watch Pep’s press conference in full