8 | Ilkay Gundogan - 2022/23

[WallyA]

I get that, and against passive teams it’s clearly a sound strategy. But today it was far too easy for Newcastle to press Walker in particular and we struggled with controlling the midfield as a result

That's fair, I think the team was thrown by that so maybe Pep adjusts around teams that press us high by having him drop.

Pep might just force Walker to adapt as well, but you got a valid point.

 

[Tugay One Cup]

He's played a few really sloppy passes out of our defensive third so far this season. He did it three or four times again yesterday when he just handed possession straight to them and put us under pressure again. That's not something I associate with him at all.

 

[MCFCFanTX]

A calming influence on matches.

 

[tonea2003]

class player and changed/controlled the game again

 

[skillman]

Arguably up there as in the top 3 of our most important players. The game was screaming out for him very early on, he knows when to pass, when to carry, when to arrive and how to control the tempo.

 

[Goater=Legend]

Mr. Reliable

 

[Mr HJ]

We need to extend his contract - such an intelligent player, really makes those around him better. To us as fans we know how fantastic a player he is - outside of the club he is vastly underrated.

 

[warringtonblue]

Arguably up there as in the top 3 of our most important players. The game was screaming out for him very early on, he knows when to pass, when to carry, when to arrive and how to control the tempo.

I don’t think he’d have been as influential if he’d come on in the first half, too many were having poor games

 

[RandomJ]

Mr. Reliable

It's Mr Whippy.

 

[ninjamonkey]

Will always provide the side with exactly what's missing. His footballing intelligence is beyond anything else I've seen. Have to get him on a longer contract.

 

[Lavinda Past]

Top class. In the top four midfielders in Europe imo, the others being KDB, Bernardo, and Rodri.

We are not worthy.

 

[McfcBibby]

Started the season exceptionally well. Well in Mr Whippy

 

[Bluemanc100]

Will always provide the side with exactly what's missing. His footballing intelligence is beyond anything else I've seen. Have to get him on a longer contract.

I think he’ll extend once he cements his slot in the German side .. We’ve played the situation perfectly I think as the recent departures mean that he’s a regular now in the squad even if he starts the game from the bench

 

[DATOIA]

I think Gundo will be more influential from the bench and not as a regular starter..

He should be rotated with KDB and this will give us enough offensive power near the opponent's box..

As for the DM - we need 2 of Bernardo, Rodri, Phillips there to cover the zones..

 

[bluemoon32]

Great player, we're lucky to have him.
Not many players with his talent would be ok with being a bit part player & not agitate for a move.

 

[Withnail]

He should have been on from the start, very intelligent footballer who made an impact when he came on. We look a more balanced team with Mr Whippy in the starting 11.

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

Like a fine wine , getting better with age , Gundo's form over the last few months has been a revelation , we need to get another contract signed , he isnt the type of player who relies on pace and could play at the top level until he's 35/36 years old , brilliant footballer.

 

[MarsLlama]

You know what's ironic? If you genetically engineered the perfect player to save Liverpool's midfield right now you'd probably get Ilkay Gundogan.

 

[OB1]

Probably my imagination but he seems pacier and more aggressive than he was.

 

[argyle]

Bernardo started the comeback but I think Gundogan (and Alvarez) changed the game yesterday.