Yes, not so much a slight on him but that Silva brings so much to the team.
Marti Perarnau said on @BillyShears podcast at the end of November that Gundogan needed 20 more games to be at his best.
He's now played 17 games since then.
A one legged Gundogan is still better than Emre Can on his best day. It’s not even close really. Injury or no injury.Perfect setup for Gündogan vs Basel when he has enough time to play his technical game without fearing to be kicked about by a flying PL midfielder.
Btw, never seen him that furious, after the quite soft foul by Serey Die... The team reaction seemed to be planned as well. IMO.
Discussing Can back then I said maybe it would be better to replace Gündogan, as I was always sceptical about his injuries.
Since then he has improved and is quite close to the player he was at his highs in Dortmund.
He said in an interview he will not and can not be the player he once was, keeping in mind the influence of the injuries on his body.
But his outstanding technical skills and goal threats are simply in him and now he is back on a level of confidence where he feels free and happy to play the game he is so good at.
Nearly won any 1-on-1 last night, too.
Gündogans role is still higher up the pitch and finally on a different level than the hard working, less skilled defensive mid Can.
Like in other squad positions the timing is incredibly perfect to step up when it's needed. Happy days!
Yes, not so much a slight on him but that Silva brings so much to the team.
Horses for courses Ilkay offers a more direct threat on goal as well as being great in taking the ball in tight spaces. Merin is maybe slightly less of a threat on goal but equally if not better at taking the ball in tight space but Merlin's passing range and vision is sublime even better than KDB at times. But what a luxury to have with these 2 players.Does he get dropped with Silva coming back? Would seem really harsh considering how well he is playing. A good problem to have.
Perfect setup for Gündogan vs Basel when he has enough time to play his technical game without fearing to be kicked about by a flying PL midfielder.
Btw, never seen him that furious, after the quite soft foul by Serey Die... The team reaction seemed to be planned as well. IMO.
Discussing Can back then I said maybe it would be better to replace Gündogan, as I was always sceptical about his injuries.
Since then he has improved and is quite close to the player he was at his highs in Dortmund.
He said in an interview he will not and can not be the player he once was, keeping in mind the influence of the injuries on his body.
But his outstanding technical skills and goal threats are simply in him and now he is back on a level of confidence where he feels free and happy to play the game he is so good at.
Nearly won any 1-on-1 last night, too.
Gündogans role is still higher up the pitch and finally on a different level than the hard working, less skilled defensive mid Can.
Like in other squad positions the timing is incredibly perfect to step up when it's needed. Happy days!