When Fernandinho limped off with an injury during Manchester City’s Carabao Cup celebrations last month, many feared it could derail their Premier League title ambitions. But one man has stepped up spectacularly to fill the void – Ilkay Gundogan. Here’s how the German midfielder has quietly become Pep Guardiola’s most valuable problem solver this season.
The Fernandinho Conundrum: Why City’s Title Hopes Were at Risk
Losing Aymeric Laporte was concerning, but Manchester City had defensive cover. Fernandinho’s absence? That was a different story entirely. Before his injury, City had lost both Premier League matches they’d played without the Brazilian anchor this season.
Yet against all odds, City have won five consecutive matches since Fernandinho’s injury. This remarkable turnaround deserves deeper examination – and at Melbet, we’ve analyzed exactly how Gundogan has rewritten the narrative.
Gundogan’s Masterclass in Adaptation
Pep Guardiola recently called Gundogan “an incredible player in all senses,” and the statistics prove it. In their last Premier League outing against Watford:
- Completed 104 passes in the opposition half
- Created more chances than any other player
- Maintained 92% passing accuracy
What makes these numbers more impressive? Gundogan is achieving them while playing out of position. As former Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp once noted: “He has the necessary calm, the eye and the vision… a complete player.”
Heatmap shows Gundogan maintaining offensive influence despite deeper role
The Jorginho Paradox
Interestingly, Chelsea’s Jorginho – who City pursued last summer – is the only other midfielder matching Gundogan‘s passing numbers this season. Yet while Jorginho faces criticism, Gundogan is earning plaudits for his seamless transition.
Our Melbet tactical analysts note key differences:
- Superior defensive awareness (2.3 tackles/game vs Jorginho’s 1.7)
- More progressive passing (15.3 forward passes/90 mins)
- Better duel success rate (58% vs 52%)
The Contract Dilemma
With Gundogan‘s contract expiring in 2020, Guardiola has been vocal about wanting an extension: “We want him to extend right now. Yesterday would have been better than today.”
The player himself is being characteristically measured: “It may well be that the next one will be my last big contract. Such a decision must be well considered.”
Why Gundogan Matters More Than Ever
While City boast flashier stars, Gundogan’s value has never been clearer:
- Tactical flexibility (can play 4 midfield roles)
- Big-game experience (45 Champions League appearances)
- Leadership qualities (former Dortmund captain)
- Injury crisis solution (played CB in emergency)
As the title race heats up, Gundogan’s ability to maintain this level could prove decisive. For more in-depth tactical analysis, stay tuned to Melbet – your home for premium football insights.
