Manchester City's recent signing Ilkay Gundogan has received some high praise from Pep Guardiola's former player, Javi Martinez "?of Bayern Munich.
"?Speaking to Goal.com, the Spanish international revealed that Gundogan has a playing style similar to that of the world class pair of Xavi and Andres Iniesta.
Having arrived in Manchester following his £21m transfer for Martinez's rivals Borussia Dortmund, the German international is expected to play a huge part as City look to win their first Premier League title in three seasons, after missing a large spell of the 2015-16 season through injury.
Ilkay Gundogan vs. last season's City midfielders (2015/16, per 90 minutes). pic.twitter.com/gqwew1WEwn
However, despite missing so much football, Martinez still believes Gundogan is capable of performing at the very highest level.
"I think Germany have a lot of good players. The most similar player to Xavi and Iniesta is Gundogan, but he has been injured."
Guardiola of course managed the Spanish pair during his time as manager of Barcelona where they enjoyed so much success.
In their four years working together, Barcelona amassed a total of 14 major honours and Guardiola will be hoping to enjoy a similar amount of success with Gundogan at the Etihad.
Guardiola was keen to bring Gundogan with him to England from Germany, perhaps seeing the ability that Martinez described after watching him at close quarters during his time as manager of Bayern Munich.
The German international is not due to return from injury until the end of August, however City's boss will be keen to have him back playing as soon as possible should he be able to replicate the performances of the Barcelona pair.