Messi, Zidane & Maldini... Gundogan names best ever XI without any City players

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has failed to include a single teammate or even a Premier League player in his all-time best XI.

Gundogan has played with the likes of Yaya Toure, David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero while at City, but when asked by Sport Bild to name a team of the best players to play the game he chose other players.

In some positions, the likes of Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho are understandable, but City fans may feel that there was room for at least one of his teammates.

Explaining his choices, Gundogan started with former Galatasaray goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel, saying: “He was Brazil's national goalkeeper in the 1990s. They had an incredible team, he was in the back.

“Taffarel was also outstanding when Galatasaray won the UEFA Cup in 2000. I watched the games of 'Gala' a lot in my childhood.”

Dani Alves was picked at right-back, with former Germany captain Philipp Lahm on the left of defence.

“No matter whether left or right - Philipp has been the best full-back in the world for many years,” Gundogan said. “He was characterised by extremely few mistakes and remarkable ball safety."

Gundogan's two defenders were AC Milan legends Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, with Barcelona legend Xavi ahead of them in the holding midfield role.

"An incredible constant at six. Technically and tactically, there has never been anything better in this position since I can remember," Gundogan explained.

Zidane and Kaka completed the midfield, as Gundogan described the Brazilian as a role model.

He said: “His dynamism, pace and dribbling were unique. He was always a role model for me. I have often tried to imitate his tricks.”

Naturally, Lionel Messi was in Gundogan's team, with Ronaldinho on the opposite wing.

Leading the line is Brazilian striker Ronaldo, who Gundogan felt should have received more individual recognition than he did.

“I would like to know how many Ballon D'Or's he would have won without injuries. I am sure that it would have been quite a few,” Gundogan said.