It's a measure of how highly Manchester City and Liverpool regarded Ilkay Gundogan that he was still laid up after knee surgery when they fought to sign him in the summer of 2016.
Pep Guardiola wanted to make Gundogan his first signing at the Etihad. Jurgen Klopp wanted to be reunited with his former Borussia Dortmund midfielder. Guardiola won.
Technically adept on the ball and tenacious in winning it back, Gundogan is an ideal fit for the high-intensity style of two coaches who meet head on at Anfield on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Germany international will address the Liverpool boss by his nickname 'Kloppo'.