Ilkay Gundogan - 2017/18 performances

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It's interesting to know that you guys who know Pep & know him so well, that you can inform us all we can be sure he will stick to the same plan he had two years ago, when he first came, even if a key player is struggling like fuck.

I always thought he adapted to things & changed his planning accordingly. But it won't be the first time I've made a fool out of myself in this thread.

What with thinking Gundogan wasn't very good in the last two games & then topping that by thinking that Pep will sign someone else to play instead of him if he doesn't improve.

You've certainly put me straight with your insider Pep wisdom.

Here's me thinking he's someone who is changing & adapting all the time, when actually he's a good old fashioned Fat Sam, Harry Redknapp type, who sticks to his plan & his favourite players, come what may. Thanks for the insight guys.

Personally, with my limited ability to comprehend anything, I'll just stick to my earlier thought, which was that I really hope Gundogan plays a blinder today, for one because I always rated him very highly as a player & as a character in the past & two, because according to all those with insider knowledge of Pep, he will be playing in place of Silva & Fern next season, even if he's completely fucking shite.

So we really do need him on top form.
 
Dax777 said:
Are you saying if Silva or Kev we're out Fernandihno plays over Ilkay? Coz that's just silly!
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I'm saying Pep generally picks a team like this when everyone is fit & he isn't rotating players 1: KDB, 2: Fernandinho, 3: Ederson.... now the rest.. Silva of course...

But occasionally it will be: 1: Fernandinho.. depending on the opposition. By the time he asks the question re Gundogan, there are a lot of players names on the team sheet.

Next season, there will be several more names on the list, including at least one, maybe two, who are seen by Pep, rightly or wrongly, as alternatives to help Fernandinho, by replacing him & resting him or playing with him & doing some of his work. The part of the list where 'Gundogan' currently resides & only has Yaya Toure as competition (& maybe soon Zinchenko).

The thing which gets Gundogan's name higher up the list, is if he produces the same level he did at Dortmund, which is why Pep signed him.

I would like to see that, as I too wanted to sign him.

So I strongly hope to see it today, especially as he has now had two nice 'warm up' games to get him into full match sharpness.
 
Superb in a deeper position the last 2 games, that might be the best place to play him.
 
think he has a knack of giving the ball away too much with some sloppy passes (though sounds like he broke the pass record today!) but shows there's more than one way to play the Fernandinho role. Thought he was excellent today reading the game and breaking up play.
 
Gundo has stepped up over the last couple of games (and over the last couple of months as well).
 
He can read the game so well. I expect he will become an immense contributor once he gets a run in this deep lying role
 
Would you look at that. Gundogan playing the pivot role for the Pep team. Wonder why some people think he can't do it, hmmm.
 
Ilkay Gundogan's 174 passes today was also a Premier League record for most successful passes in one game by one player. Congratulations, Ilkay!
 
Excellent today. Excellent reading of the game and positional sense.
Integral to our most solid defensive display of the season.
 
pudge said:
Maybe 140 then.
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that's the whole point of the pivot pass pass pass pass,it changes angles and creates space,doesn't matter where it goes as long as it finds its target ,when he passing back to the back 2 then the oppo has to go to the cbs leaving space ahead, thats why pep insists on ball playing cbs.

its what peps pivots do
 
I really like him. Have a few reservations about how much he'll flourish with us though.

In the KdB/Silva role he often lacks the energy & stamina to press like those guys manage which makes him look lazy & easy to get past; obviously this can improve, but has to put in the work to nail one of those spots down.

In the pivot role he's, understandably, still a little cautious in the tackle, and again the stamina issue.

He's good in a few different positions, but currently, for me at least, a level below our current top guys in each position.

Hopefully doesn't succumb to become Mr. versatile & back-up man; and hopefully gains confidence in his body that can help him push on to reach the performances of our current midfield trio; he's got the ability.
 
peace frog said:
that's the whole point of the pivot pass pass pass pass,it changes angles and creates space,doesn't matter where it goes as long as it finds its target ,when he passing back to the back 2 then the oppo has to go to the cbs leaving space ahead, thats why pep insists on ball playing cbs.

its what peps pivots do
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I understand that. However, many of the players, not just Gundogan, were passing between themselves today for nothing but shits and giggles so the records with regards to it are a bit meh just.
 
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