Gündo-Gone? Why City Must Renew Him At All Costs.
April 3, 2023
There is no denying that Manchester City has been one of, if not the most successful team in the Premier League over the past decade. A big part of that success can be attributed to our captain, the talented midfielder İlkay Gündoğan. A lynchpin of the German international team, Gündoğan has been a crucial player for the club and country since he joined from Borussia Dortmund as Pep’s first City signing. With his contract status next season up in the air, we decided to dive into the topic of why re-signing him should be a priority for our club.
While Kevin De Bruyne dominates headlines for his passing and eye-popping stats, Bernardo stuns crowds with his endless stamina and tenacity, and Rodri puts on masterclass after masterclass, it’s Gündoğan that has cemented himself as the versatile, do-it-all player who can be trusted to excel in a variety of midfield roles. Whether he is playing as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, or a traditional attacking #10, Gündoğan applies his potent combination of intelligence, creativity, and technical ability to devastating effect wherever and whenever he’s on the pitch. In addition to his obvious skills, his versatility makes him an incredibly valuable asset to our squad, offering Pep the tactical flexibility and mental peace as arguably the most dependable professional in our squad.
And while he may not be a flashy, stat-padding superstar, a quick deep dive into his stats over the past two seasons will show his impact goes beyond what the average fan would notice, scoring goals and providing assists at a high rate in the most crucial of moments. In the 2020-21 season, he was City’s top scorer in the league with a whopping 13 goals to his name. He also chipped in with four assists, showing that he is not only a goalscorer but also a player who can unselfishly create chances for his teammates. His ability to score and create crucial goals from midfield in high-stakes situations is a rare and valuable skill that Manchester City cannot overlook.
Most importantly, Gündoğan’s impact on our squad goes beyond his skills as a footballer. Voted as our team captain by the players, #8 is a leader and consummate professional on and off the pitch. Respected by his teammates for his work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to the team, he is a player who leads by example, spreading his positive attitude and winning mentality among the squad when needed. With City seemingly on the verge of a summer rebuild, having players like Gündoğan who set and maintain the highest standards for himself and the team is essential.
Finally, Gündoğan’s potential influence on new signings cannot be understated. As a seasoned professional who has played at the highest level for virtually his entire career, Gündo’s mentorship to younger players who are coming through the rank. His experience working with younger players as he earns his coaching credentials showcase his desire to improve his tactical knowledge as well as his willingness to nurture and mentor young players. Adapting to a club like City is no easy task, where expectations are sky high, the fixtures come thick and fast, and competition for playtime is relentless. Gündo’s calming presence as a mentor and role model to younger players is invaluable for any club. As such, his links with Barcelona and their young, but talented midfield comes with no surprise.
A versatile and clutch player who exudes leadership qualities, Gündoğan should absolutely be a priority re-signing for Manchester City going into the summer transfer window. He deserves it, we need it, and the fans would absolutely love it.