Ilkay Gundogan has claimed that Manchester City have a player who is the most “underrated” in his position in the world.
There are plenty of candidates that fit Gundogan’s description at City.
One of them is Jack Grealish when looking at some of the best left-wingers in world football.
Just recently, Don Hutchison described the Englishman as “too predictable.”
Grealish has responded to such stick in the best possible way by putting in two cracking displays against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.
With Jack Grealish not being a traditional winger, one can understand why some forget to name him as one of the best of the best but his impact on the pitch indicates he is top quality.
Manuel Akanji’s versatility might mean he goes under the radar.
After City’s 4-2 win against Crystal Palace, Guardiola lauded the 28-year-old’s performance at left-back, which goes to show how tactically flexible he is.
But perhaps Akanji’s comfortability across the backline might mean some view him as a utility player rather than a brilliant, multifunctional defender.
Gundogan says Man City ace is the ‘most underrated’ player in his position in the world
Nathan Ake has made outstanding progress at the Etihad Stadium since last season and his status as a genuinely world-class player might be questioned by some.
However, after making a few errors at the start of the season, Ake has returned to his brilliant best and is showcasing that whether it be at centre-back or at left-back, he will deliver more often than not.
But the Dutchman has had a unique career.
At Chelsea, the treble-winner was viewed as a wonderkid and after finally leaving Stamford Bridge to sign for Bournemouth, it seemed like he had finally found his calling.
Perhaps some wondered why he took the next step and joined City as he found it tough to nail down a place in the starting XI.
But as Ake’s patience was rewarded last season as he went on to become a regular starter, perhaps some still view him as a bit-part player rather than a defender who has taken a huge leap to become one of the best in Europe.
However, Gundogan did not name Grealish, Akanji or Ake.
Instead, Ilkay Gundogan named Stefan Ortega, while quote tweeting a clip of his audacious skill inside the box against Crystal Palace after being given the ball in a risky place by Rodri.
“The most underrated goalkeeper in the world”, he wrote on X about Manchester City’s number 35 while also adding the hashtag, “Baller.”
Ilkay Gundogan seems to be a huge admirer of Stefan Ortega, replying to his Instagram post after City’s 2-0 win against Newcastle United in the FA Cup by commenting, “What a goalkeeper!”
Ilkay Gundogan has a point about Stefan Ortega
Ilkay Gundogan does make an interesting claim about Stefan Ortega.
Seen as the former Armenia Bielefeld goalkeeper is a number two, he perhaps does not get the credit he deserves.
However, every time Ortega is called upon by Guardiola, he does not seem like much of a downgrade to Ederson.
As far as shotstopping goes, a case can be made that the German is superior to the Brazilian.
Stefan Ortega is at the level where he would be the number one for most clubs in Europe, due to his incredible shotstopping ability, impressive distribution and command of the box.
But as Gundogan mentioned, his former teammate might be as “underrated” as he claims he and that is certainly due to him being a bit-part player at the Etihad Stadium.