After receiving the Premier League Player of the Month award for January, Ilkay Gündogan has continued his great domestic form. His two goals against Tottenham Hotspur now cementing his position as one of Europe’s most inform players.
The re-emergence of the German international has been a welcome spark for the Citizens. After a shaky start to the Premier League season, Manchester City looks to be the front-runners in the hunt for the title.
City’s 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur saw another impressive display by the midfielder. His two goals scored now increasing his seasons tally to 11 goals.
Gündogan has now scored four goals in his last two games, providing attacking assistance in the midst of Kevin De Bruyne’s absence from the team due to injury.
What’s changed in Gündogan’s Manchester City career?
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The start of Gündogan’s City career was marred by injury, his first season effectively being scratched out due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
A slow rehab as well as the high level of competition to start within Man City’s midfield prevented the 30-year-old from becoming a consistent starter under Pep Guardiola.
Now he is flourishing in Guardiola’s midfield three, acting as the connector between the midfield and attack. Strong performances defensively by fellow midfielder Rodri have allowed Gündogan to transition into City’s attack.
Gündogan has also improved as an all-round midfielder, especially in defence. So far this season he has been successful in 75% of his attempted tackles, a significant improvement from last season’s successful tackle rate of 59%.
The German is yet another example of Pep Guardiola’s managerial influence, renowned for his ability to re-invigorate players under his stewardship.
The re-emergence of defender John Stones, moving Bernado Silva into a central midfield position and the continued improvement of Raheem Sterling are all examples of Pep’s ability to fulfil the potential of his players.
Gündogan’s own improvement has now firmly asserted his position as a potential Premier League Player of the Year, as well as the best midfielder among Europe’s top leagues.
🔵 @IlkayGuendogan has scored more goals (9) than any other player across Europe’s top five leagues in 2021#MCITOT pic.twitter.com/t0NPedf02Y
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 14, 2021
Following their statement victory over Tottenham, the league leaders now sit seven points ahead of second-placed Leicester City.
With the imminent return of Kevin De Bruyne and striker Sergio Aguero, City looks likely to take the Premier League’s top honour.