Joao Palhinha says player Man City let go in 2023 is one of the toughest he’s faced in the Premier League

Redaction Simon Brett with Srinivas Sadhanand
Published on 2024-02-11 13:30:00

Last season, Joao Palhinha played for Fulham in the Premier League and named Ilkay Gundogan as one of the two toughest midfielders he had faced. Palhinha, a Portuguese international, joined Fulham in the summer of 2022 and competed against a range of talented midfielders in the top flight of English football. However, he specifically mentioned that players from Manchester City’s midfield stood out to him, especially naming Gundogan and recently hailing Pedro as the best defensive midfielder in the world.

Gundogan started in both games against Fulham last season, as City secured 2-1 wins both home and away. Palhinha acknowledged that Gundogan’s influence was undeniable in both fixtures, as the German international dictated play from his left-sided attacking midfield position.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Palhinha revealed that the two toughest midfielders he has faced in the Premier League are Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne. He stated, “I will answer probably Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne. I think they [are] my two choices for this question. I played against so many good players that it’s really tough to choose just one but probably, I will choose these two.”

Despite turning 33 last year, Gundogan has continued to showcase his quality at Barcelona, where he has been hailed as one of the best players in the world. His departure from Manchester City has left a void that has yet to be filled, with Phil Foden, Matheus Nunes, and Mateo Kovacic struggling to replicate his impact. Palhinha indicated that a partnership between Foden and Gundogan in midfield would have been formidable, while also noting the impact De Bruyne and Gundogan have when playing together.

In conclusion, Joao Palhinha’s praise for Ilkay Gundogan and recognition of his quality as an opponent underscores the German midfielder’s influence and impact in the Premier League, particularly during his time at Manchester City, where he was a lynchpin in their midfield.

Read Original article on Manchester City News