The Germany international was wowed by his compatriot during his time in the Bundesliga
Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan has opened up on players who have shaped his career, naming former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Mario Gotze as 'incredible' and 'overwhelming' amongst a list of the game's greats.
Gundogan swapped Germany for England in 2016 and has since won the Premier League, the Carabao Cup and the Community Shield as part of a star-studded team that many feel play some of the slickest football to date.
When asked to name his most memorable team-mate, however, it was his national team colleague that first came to mind.