Ilkay Gundogan Praised For 'Intelligent' And 'Mature' Reply To Erling Haaland Question, He Was Honest

The 22-year-old forward has penned a five-year deal at the Etihad worth a reported £375,000-a-week.

But midfielder Ilkay Gundogan believes his influence wouldn't have mattered in their Champions League semi-final defeat to Real Madrid.

Months later and Gundogan was asked the following by a reporter: "If Erling [Haaland] was in your team, would you have beaten Real Madrid in the Champions Leauge semi-final in May?"

In the interview with ITV Sport, Gundogan paused for a moment before saying: "I mean honestly, I would say no."

He added: "I don't think we've lost the game because we didn't have a physical striker, No. That's not what I believe. I believe we lost the game because we didn't play mature enough in the last minutes of the game.

"To concede two goals in the last five minutes of the game is definitely something that should not happen."

Gundogan's measured response to the question was praised by many on social media. One fan said: "Think it's a good answer from him and he's right. They weren't missing more goals in that game or anything, having a good striker won't make you not concede three goals in five minutes."

Another wrote: "A very levelheaded response," while a third commented: "That's such a good answer ngl."

Ahead of kick-off on Saturday, Keane told ITV: "He's a brilliant, brilliant player. Good age, 22, he hasn’t peaked yet, he’s working with a brilliant team and a brilliant manager.

"He’s got all the attributes, you can’t imagine him not scoring 20 goals, you just can’t.

"If he stays fit, he’s obviously got the right attitude what a signing, you used a word there… exciting, that’s exactly what this young kid is and I’m excited to watch him over the next few months."