"?After being dropped by Pep Guardiola for Manchester City's Premier League opener with Sunderland and Champions League qualifier in Bucharest, Joe Hart has received a huge boost from one of the goalkeeping greats, Gianluigi Buffon.
Quoted in Goal, Buffon believes England's number one is amongst the best in the world between the sticks, with the Italian expecting Hart to emerge stronger following his early season disappointment.
Guardiola has opted for last season's substitute goalkeeper Willy Cabellero for his first two competitive matches as manager of the Citizens.
Joe Hart looks set to leave @ManCity this summer, according to Sky sources: https://t.co/Rj8ogv2RJj #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/tPunZcK4h6
Furthermore there has been continued speculation surrounding Hart's future at the Etihad, with the former Bayern and Barcelona boss interested in bringing Claudio Bravo to the Premier League side from the Nou Camp.
Buffon, who currently sits as the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, believes the club will be making a huge mistake should they allow to leave the Englishman to depart.
"[Hart] has been in this position before, he was dropped two or three seasons back, and then when he returned he played some of the best football of his career," he said.
Since Joe Hart made his @premierleague debut in 2006, Tim Howard is the only goalkeeper to have played more games. pic.twitter.com/x6iyouPkC8
The shot stopper lost his place during Manuel Pellegrini's debut season in charge of the sky blues during the 2013-14 season, however bounced back from the disappointment.
"The ability is there, we know he has that, but just as importantly he has character - and that is one of the most important qualities you can have as a goalkeeper."
"He has consistently over the last 5 or 6 seasons shown he is among the best goalkeepers in the world,"
"De Gea and Neuer are the two outstanding goalkeepers right now, after that there is not anybody who is on an obvious higher level than Hart," added Buffon.