Former Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan has been in sensational form for Germany at Euro 2024, much to the amazement of his ex-teammate Jack Grealish, reported by GOAL. Gundogan has played a pivotal role in Germany's journey to the knockout stages, showcasing his class and earning accolades along the way.
Germany secured their place in the Round of 16 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Hungary. Gundogan opened the scoring with a superb goal, followed by another from young sensation Jamal Musiala. While Toni Kroos has received significant attention for his midfield masterclass, Gundogan's contributions have been equally vital, if not more so. Despite often flying under the radar, his impact on the pitch has been undeniable.
Jack Grealish's praise
Jack Grealish, now a key player for Manchester City, took to Instagram to express his admiration for Gundogan. The English winger posted a heartfelt message on his story, saying, “Can't explain how good this guy is, man. Honestly, one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of playing with [applause emoji].” Grealish's praise highlights Gundogan's influence and the respect he commands among his peers.
Gundogan's performances at Euro 2024 have been nothing short of exceptional. In the group stages, he has scored twice and provided crucial assists, proving to be a key player in Germany's attack. His ability to control the tempo of the game, coupled with his vision and passing accuracy, makes him one of the most underrated midfielders of his generation.
Despite his age, the 33-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down. His leadership and experience have been invaluable to the German squad, especially in high-stakes matches. Alongside Musiala, Gundogan has been the driving force behind Germany's offensive plays, creating opportunities and breaking down opposition defenses with ease.
What's next for Ilkay Gundogan
Article Continues BelowWith Germany already through to the Round of 16, Gundogan might get some well-deserved rest in their final group game against Switzerland. This could provide an opportunity for other players to step up and for Gundogan to recharge ahead of the knockout stages. His form and fitness will be crucial as Germany aims to go deep into the tournament.
Gundogan's journey to becoming one of Europe's top midfielders has been marked by resilience and determination. After leaving Manchester City, where he enjoyed tremendous success, he joined Barcelona and continued to excel. His move to Barcelona allowed him to adapt to a different style of play and further hone his skills.
At Euro 2024, Gundogan has demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion. His goals and assists have been crucial in securing Germany's victories, and his performances have garnered praise from fans and analysts alike. Despite often being overshadowed by bigger names, Gundogan's contributions are now being recognized on the grand stage.
Gundogan's presence in the German squad provides a perfect blend of experience and skill. His partnership with younger talents like Musiala offers a balanced attack that can adapt to various styles of play. As Germany progresses in the tournament, Gundogan's role will become even more critical, especially in high-pressure knockout games.
Ilkay Gundogan's stellar performances at Euro 2024 have been instrumental in Germany's success. Earning high praise from former teammates like Jack Grealish only underscores his value on the field. As the tournament advances, all eyes will be on Gundogan to see if he can continue to lead Germany towards glory.