19 | Ilkay Gundogan - 2024/25

Is it possible.. Brokelona broke him?!?!?

Didn't look his best tonight either.. and I don't normally slag off any player after just one game.. but for a couple of games now he's been slow, tepid, lacking creativity.
Age, serious injury and busting his guts in our shirt has done that, age stops for no one.
 
Bedwetting at its finest hear. Do not write off Gundogan yet. Whats more important, we need strong Ilkay, we need world class midfield to achieve usual goals. So Pep gonna play him. To get him up to speed. And thats enough for me to believe hes gonna come up good again.
 
Looked much more confortable in the 6 with the game ahead of him i thought, compared to the last few games. would like to see (most) of the middle three a bit more progressive in the short forward passing, Kova seems much more willing to give it to Haaland & Fodens feet in tighter spaces than the rest.
 
It was better....but he's still not performing as well as he can. I don't believe he's past it or has lost his ability. He was excellent in the Euro's for Germany. His touch has let him down. His decision making hasn't been as good as it usually is, and some of his passing is going astray. All things you wouldn't expect from him. He's retired from internationals and maybe is still trying to adjust back to the pace of things here, but I personally don't think he should be starting in current form. Last night was fine, as he's just had a break while others have been playing international football. But I would have him out of the side this weekend. I'd expect Pep believes regular game time is the best way for him to rediscover his form.
 
Is it possible.. Brokelona broke him?!?!?

Didn't look his best tonight either.. and I don't normally slag off any player after just one game.. but for a couple of games now he's been slow, tepid, lacking creativity.
Age. He is old. All old players get worse
 
Gundo looked miles better and more suited to defensive midfield the other night than he has done in any game in attacking midfield since he returned.

With Foden back, de Bruyne on his way back, BSilva, McAtee, Nunes, Bobb coming back and O’Reilly (both attacking midfielders in the youth teams), we can keep Gündoğan for defensive midfield and rotate him with Kovačić.
 
Its no coincidence none of our central attacking midfielders havent looked good this season given how low the teams have defended, there is literally no space for them to operate in. Dropping gundo back to 6 against these teams is an excellent move as he can pick things from deeper, it leaves a little more open to the counter but we have very little choice at the moment.

He will be fine as the season goes on. Class class player.
 
Bit underwhelming so far, but he has always blossomed later in the season. Its not just the footballer but he's a champion person and the more important the game the.more he will respond. Bit like a champion golfer plays his best when the heats on imo whereas others will fade away.
 
He's playing more than I bet he and Pep thought he would. Rodri and Kev being out with long-term injuries has forced Pep's hand IMO.

Gundo is still fantastic, though. He offers something unique in terms of attacking the box late, that won't ever stop and because we're not a quick, transitional team it means he won't be affected by (lack of) pace to get into those areas.

He'll come good.
 

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