Ilkay Gundogan says Pep Guardiola sees him as the ideal candidate to help shape Manchester City's new-look midfield.
Gundogan became Guardiola's first City signing at the beginning of June, months after the club had first identified the Germany international as a priority transfer target.
The Premier League side were so keen to bring the 25-year-old to the Etihad Stadium that they pushed through the £21 million deal even after he dislocated his knee cap in May, an injury which will rule him out of the start of next season.
Gundogan was in Manchester on Sunday as City opened the doors to their training ground to unveil their new badge, home kit and Guardiola himself, and although he says he has only briefly spoken to the Catalan, he was clearly given a good idea of what is expected.
"He told me that he needs a player like me as a central midfielder," Gundogan told the press.
"We haven't had the possibility to talk more. He is coming now, we will think about it more then we will see."
Pep: Messi has to stay at Barca
Guardiola himself admitted that he will adapt his tactics to the abilities of the players he inherits at the Etihad, similarly to how he deployed a more muscular brand of his possession-based game during his time at Bayern Munich, but the Blues are still expected to dominate the ball under the Catalan.
Gundogan, when he returns from injury later this year, is set to feature prominently in the new system.
"I like to have the ball, to have possession and to play passes, to create chances for my team-mates. I think that is what makes me strong. I hope those are things that we need here.
"I hope to be ready as soon as possible. I am looking forward. It seems to be the end of August or September but it is always difficult to say. I am happy right now at the moment and just being positive."
- Goal