The German midfielder has enjoyed a brilliant run of form this season, hitting the back of the net nine times to deliver the best goal return of his City career.
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Having come up against him during his time as Bayern Munich boss, Guardiola made the former Borussia Dortmund player his first signing when he arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2016 and believes he has gone from strength to strength in the years since.
And the City boss says Gundogan’s football brain means he is someone he relies on to identify and correct any issue his side might face during a game.
“He was already the player he is, maybe better for the experience he has, Guardiola explained ahead of City’s game against Liverpool, when Gundogan will face his former manager, Jurgen Klopp.
“But the quality, the experience, the personality - he took a penalty in Champions League final against Bayern Munich. He took responsibility to take it. When that happens that shows personality.
“He is so intelligent, so clever. I admire when a player is intelligent. He can solve problems during the game and solve it properly.
“You can solve problems when you are intelligent and he is. That’s why he is a top class player.”
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