Gundogan

[BillyShears]

I can't see Gundogan being our deepest midfielder - I think he's too good to restrict to a Busquets style role in the side, though in deep playmaking terms he has all the attributes. I wouldn't be surprised to see him in the role we're used to Fernandinho playing. Instantly he transforms our side, he's an excellent player. Fernandinho, Gundogan and Fernando would be an excellent midfield three.

There's still a question mark in my mind as to what Fernandinho's role will be in the side though as he's quick, excellent at making interceptions and fluid on the ball, but he isn't going to boss a game the way Gundogan can - so I'm coming round to the idea many have mooted about him being tried out in a wider position. On the other hand, he's shown that when the team all press (as we did in Sevilla) he can be very effective in attacking situations as well.

Been a big fan of Gundogan for a number of years, a great first signing despite the fact it might not be until later in the year we see him reach the level we expect. It's nice to sign such a good player for such a low fee for once as well!

I'll be pretty stunned if both Dinho and Nando are at the club come September.

 

[Neville Kneville]

I'll be pretty stunned if both Dinho and Nando are at the club come September.

Unlikely but not impossible imo, for the simple reason I believe Pep appreciates that the Prem is different & he has to have options for the physical aspect. It could also be though that he sees Stones, Denayer etc as an option for those situations, in which case Fernando would be surplus.

 

[Citizen Green]

I'll be pretty stunned if both Dinho and Nando are at the club come September.

I'd be stunned if Fernandinho wasn't, high energy levels and consistent... surely a player Pep can rely on from the off?

 

[TRUE BLUE NO1]

Dinho will be our deepest midfielder and we'll sign someone to partner Gundogan in the other CM spot. I'm going for Thiago.

I agree....with Bayern showing interest in Pjanić (who has a 38mil(euro) release clause) I think Thiago could be a possible.....Thiago and Gundogan with Dinho.....that would give us a very solid midfield....throw in Sane and Laporte and we ready to roll!!;)

 

[IWasHere]

I agree....with Bayern showing interest in Pjanić (who has a 38mil(euro) release clause) I think Thiago could be a possible.....Thiago and Gundogan with Dinho.....that would give us a very solid midfield....throw in Sane and Laporte and we ready to roll!!;)

I'll take that, a good young squad...something we've lacked for a couple of years

 

[Gareth Barry Conlon]

Within our 17 foreigners we currently have 7 midfielders Fernando, Fernandinho, Yaya, Silva, Navas, Nasri, De Bruyne (+ 1 keeper, 6 defenders post DeMichelis and two strikers).

So if the squad is like for like 1 has to go, most likely Yaya for Gundogan. Fitting a second midfielder in looks difficult and I think Nasri is in danger as for me he is very poor defensively and I’d maybe look at Navas before Fernando. It’s very hard to call. You also have to factor in that we have 2 strikers and I would not be surprised if Bony was to go but 2 were to come in so that would require a slot.

 

[aguero93:20]

Do you see Gundogan as being our deepest midfielder under Pep?

Unless we sign another CM as a specialist deep lying playmaker then yes, I can see Gundogan being the deepest lying midfielder in most games, with Nando possibly in alongside him in the really tough aways.

 

[BillyShears]

I'd be stunned if Fernandinho wasn't, high energy levels and consistent... surely a player Pep can rely on from the off?

Agree about Dinho just don't see them both staying this summer. I could be wrong though Pep is nothing if not unpredictable.

 

[kupest]

From what I have seen off him in numerous videos he seems to love playing the deep and just spraying the ball around the wings near the box. I don't really see him as a attacking mid or a very effective goalscorer. I just think under Pep we might be getting rid of the concept of having a hard player as a DM however he did have Xabi and Busquets at his two clubs till now. Maybe he sees Gundogan as a similar player to Xabi Alonso. I think our mid two would probably be Fernandinho and Gundogan, whilst a bit weak defensively we would compensate with a bit of pace on the counter and a lot more possession.

 

[BlueKlaude]

£17,5m is this perhaps Txikis best signing per price tag yet? Kdb I arguably the best but Gundogan for 17!!! Bargain of the summer already!