‘Big professional’: Gundogan names the Man City player who’s always first to arrive for training

Ilkay Gundogan has praised Erling Haaland’s professionalism, saying the striker is usually always the first into training at Manchester City.

The midfielder was speaking ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League quarter-final return leg with Bayern Munich.

City are in a commanding position in the tie.

Pep Guardiola’s side put in one of their best displays ever in Europe in the first leg at the Etihad Stadium.

The 3-0 win means City have one foot firmly in the semi-final.

But a professional job tomorrow night will be required, and Guardiola and his players will certainly not be taking the game lightly.

Speaking of being professional, Gundogan talked up that aspect of his teammate Haaland.

The Norwegian sensation is enjoying an incredible debut season with City, having scored 47 goals so far.

City fans love how Haaland is a goalscoring machine. But they also love how laid back he always seems. The 22-year-old always appears to be very relaxed and very self-assured.

But Gundogan this evening revealed that Haaland is very professional behind the scenes.

He was asked about the fact Haaland has been able to stay fit pretty much all season, which is something that has surprised a few people.

Gundogan said: “Erling is just a big professional. You can see it from his attitude. Not just on the pitch, also off it.

“He is probably always the first to arrive at the training ground. He gets his treatment, he gets his meals, he trains, and then he gets his treatment again. He knows what he needs and what his body needs.

“It’s been amazing so far. I think he’s missed just a couple of games so far. He’s doing amazingly.”