Former Manchester City defender Richard Dunne says Ilkay Gundogan will be crucial for their title defence.

Dunne has hailed Gundogan's talents, explaining just how important he is to the cause for City.

"He is the one midfielder within this squad that can really break the lines, he can get back and defend, but can run almost unnoticed at times and arrive in the box to score goals," Dunne told City+.

"If you have a central-midfielder who can score 13 goals in the Premier League it is an outstanding asset for your team.

"I think he did alright last season in terms of injuries and things like that. If he keeps clear again... he is such a clever player and just knits things together so nicely.

"He got the goals, but otherwise he sort of goes unnoticed. But the work that he does is incredible."