Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has likened Ilkay Gundogan to Manchester United’s legendary midfielder Paul Scholes.

The Spanish tactician was speaking to Garry Neville and Jamie Carragher on SkySports.

Guardiola stated that he was impressed by Ilkay Gundogan’s ability to play as a defensive midfielder.

However, the former Barcelona boss believes Gundogan is best suited in a more attacking role.

Guardiola went onto liken Gundogan with Paul Scholes, citing the Germany international’s ability to sniff out chances in the box.

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“Gundogan can play there [defensive midfield]. He surprised me last year when we played against Tottenham away, Fernandinhno was suspended and he played top,” Guardiola told SkySports.

“Gundogan has a special feeling in the box. Gundogan he can smell the right tempo, right time, the right place to score a goal.

“A bit like Paul Scholes, he gives you that feeling when he arrived in that position.”

Gundogan is available for Manchester City’s opening game of the season against Arsenal today.

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The 27-year-old will have to wear a protective facial mask after undergoing surgery to fix a deviated septum.

Gundogan was part of the Germany national team which crashed out of the 2018 World Cup in the group stages. The former Borussia Dortmund star featured during the 2-1 win over Sweden.