Ilkay: Silky Sane can still step it up

ILKAY GUNDOGAN has told birthday boy Leroy Sane to keep his feet on the ground to fulfil his potential at Manchester City.

Sane, who was 22 yesterday, has been one of the breakout stars of City’s amazing unbeaten start to the Premier League season, with nine goals from midfield.

With a World Cup looming this summer, Sane has the chance to establish himself as a major star.

Quick

But while his Germany team-mate Gundogan agrees the sky is the limit for the former Schalke flier, he also claims that Sane still has a lot of work to do.

Gundogan said: “He’s very good at the moment. I don’t think he’s at his best yet, which is a good thing.

“How he’s been playing now is interesting… assists, scoring goals.

“He’s really important for us, always doing the runs, so quick, so much pace.

“And if he’s focused on doing the simple things as perfect as possible, then everything is reachable for this guy.

“Everything is there. I think he’s maybe more focused on his pace, the one-on-ones, his runs, it’s not always that easy.

“We are here to help him and he’s already improved.”

Sane has played just nine times for Germany since making his debut against France in November 2015 on the night of the Paris terrorist attacks.

But his team-mate believes Sane has the potential to establish himself as an international regular in time for Russia this summer.

“If he keeps playing like he is at the moment and his mind is clear and focused, then it’s only a matter of time,” added Gundogan.

“His first touch is always something he can improve. How he keeps the ball from the opponent, with his back to the opponent, showing stability, being strong in one-on-ones.

“In the last third, there’s so much potential in him.”