Ilkay Gundogan - 2017/18 performances

[Rhapsody in Blue]

There was a point in the 2nd half where VK comes out into Gundo's supposed position quite aggressively and causes a free-kick. There and then it felt like a statement from Vinnie that he wasn't happy with the lack of protection in front of the back four. Also, I blame Gundogan more than Otamendi for the penalty. There were other dubious moments as well, and I just don't feel that anything happens around him, not defensively, not offensively. Has occasional good games, but not involved enough I'm afraid.

 

[Newman Noggs]

Very underrated player

 

[Rolee]

He's doing a good job, some on here just aren't happy if they're not slaughtering some City player.

 

[supercity88]

Grew into the role but at times overplayed and got caught in posession. It didnt help that Silva and De Bruyne were sloppier with the ball than usual too but he did a decent job.

My main issue with him remains that he is just not playing the right ball when in attack enough. He is an outstanding player with both feet and can put the ball exactly where it needs to go when on form but he is not quite hitting that level consistently still. In any case he did a job last night and will keep improving with game time. Showed some excellent close control to get past the opposition too.

 

[CityInWashingtonState]

On first viewing of the game I thought that Gundogan played at least adequately - indeed far better than I expected. The usual misplaced pass while under no pressure - he's got to cut this out of his game - occurred at least once or twice - and, probably due to his injury history he's not going to charge full steam into crunching tackles.

Overall, looked to be a semi-adequate replacement for Fernandinho - but honestly, I don't want him playing in this position often. We really need a quality holding mid to at least back up Fernandinho/give Fernandinho rest - and soon we'll need a world class starting pivot, as Fernandinho is approaching the end of his (starting) career.

 

[grim up north]

There was a point in the 2nd half where VK comes out into Gundo's supposed position quite aggressively and causes a free-kick. There and then it felt like a statement from Vinnie that he wasn't happy with the lack of protection in front of the back four. Also, I blame Gundogan more than Otamendi for the penalty. There were other dubious moments as well, and I just don't feel that anything happens around him, not defensively, not offensively. Has occasional good games, but not involved enough I'm afraid.

Another football genius

 

[meeesh]

Dirty little fucker when needs be.........................marvellous work last night

 

[St.Pauli support]

I think everybody knows Gündogans qualities are his great ball retention and build up game going forward.
His defensive qualities are just enough to handle most PL sides covering Dinho for a match or two, but it's not his preferred position.

Dinho is perfect as a pivot, having deficiencies bringing the game forward.
Both of them are quite different as a type of player.

Gündogan is still a valuable cover for Silva or KDB in our creative midfield, which he has shown in the last months.
So considering Fred or a different pivot will replace Yaya in summer, I would still keep Gündogan as one of the best technical midfielders worldwide, matching Pep's fundamental demands to a player and his basic preference for 11 midfielders.

We also should always keep in mind Gündogan's statement that he cannot be the player he once was before his ACL injury.
He had to change his game. It doesn't make sense comparing his actual performances to the days back in Dortmund. That's what it is.

By the way, that's a point that might come back to us when we will talk about Mendy's comeback!
How can HE adapt his game, based on pace and physicality, and being young and wild and bit uncontrolled.
There is a risk Mendy will not be back 100% the same, but Pep surely already knows how to develop him.

 

[Dr Jacoby]

I personally would prefer to see Zinchenko deployed in Fernandinho’s position.

He’s very comfortable in possession, seldom misplaces a pass and has much greater energy than Gundogan.

 

[Dage]

I personally would prefer to see Zinchenko deployed in Fernandinho’s position.

He’s very comfortable in possession, seldom misplaces a pass and has much greater energy than Gundogan.

How can you say that? The kid is totally unproven.