Premier League

Not Just De Bruyne: Another City Star Linked with Exit Amidst Poor Form

A star player of the Citizens is reportedly looking for a way out of the team.

By Luis Antonio Zamora

A star player of the Citizens is reportedly looking for a way out of the team.
A star player of the Citizens is reportedly looking for a way out of the team.
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The German Ilkay Gundogan would not be satisfied with the current situation at Manchester City and could have with good eyes a departure from the team soon taking advantage of the interest of Inter Milan.

Ilkay Gündogan: A Maestro in the Midfield

Ilkay Gündogan is one of the most technically gifted and intelligent midfielders in modern football. Known for his composure on the ball, passing range, and tactical awareness, the German international has earned a reputation as a player who can control the tempo of a game and influence matches from the middle of the park. Throughout his career, Gündogan has played for top clubs in Europe, including Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City, consistently showcasing his exceptional ability to operate in the heart of the midfield.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on October 24, 1990, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Ilkay Gündogan came from a Turkish-German background. Growing up in the footballing hotbed of Gelsenkirchen, Gündogan’s talent was evident from an early age. He began his youth career at local club Rot-Weiß Erlinghausen before moving to Schalke 04’s youth academy, a club known for producing top-tier talent. However, despite his early connection with Schalke, Gündogan’s professional career began to take shape at 1. FC Nürnberg in 2009, where he made his debut in the Bundesliga.

At Nürnberg, Gündogan quickly stood out as a highly skilled central midfielder with a great understanding of the game. His ability to break up opposition attacks, distribute the ball, and contribute offensively was already evident. His performances at Nürnberg earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2011, marking the next major step in his career.

The Rise at Borussia Dortmund

Gündogan’s move to Borussia Dortmund in 2011 was a pivotal moment in his career. Under the management of Jürgen Klopp, Dortmund had become one of the most exciting teams in Europe, playing an aggressive and high-pressing brand of football that emphasized ball control, passing, and movement. Gündogan quickly adapted to Klopp’s style, forming a solid midfield partnership with players like Nuri Şahin and later, Sven Bender.

During his time at Dortmund, Gündogan showcased his remarkable technical skills, vision, and passing accuracy, quickly becoming one of the Bundesliga’s most sought-after midfielders. His standout performances came in Dortmund’s successful 2011-2012 season, when the team won the Bundesliga title. Gündogan’s ability to dictate play from deep in midfield, combined with his knack for scoring crucial goals, made him a central figure in Dortmund's midfield. One of his most memorable moments came in the 2013 UEFA Champions League final, where his composed penalty helped Dortmund reach the final, although they ultimately lost to Bayern Munich.

Gündogan’s time at Dortmund not only enhanced his reputation domestically but also caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, including Manchester City.

The Manchester City Era

In 2016, Gündogan made the move to the Premier League, signing with Manchester City for a reported fee of £20 million. His arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career under Pep Guardiola, one of the most innovative and successful managers in the world. Gündogan’s technical attributes were a perfect fit for Guardiola’s possession-based style of play, where midfielders are tasked with both disrupting opposition attacks and orchestrating offensive moves.

At Manchester City, Gündogan quickly established himself as a key player in the team. His passing range, ability to read the game, and composure under pressure made him an ideal fit for the deep-lying playmaker role. His flexibility allowed Guardiola to use him in various midfield positions, whether as a central midfielder, a defensive midfielder, or even as an attacking midfielder, demonstrating his versatility.

One of the most memorable seasons in Gündogan’s career came during the 2017-2018 Premier League campaign, when City, under Guardiola, set a new record for points in a Premier League season (100 points). Gündogan was a crucial part of the team, contributing with vital goals, including a memorable strike against Newcastle United that showcased his superb ball control and finishing ability. Over the years, his relationship with key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri has been instrumental in City’s success, helping the club win multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups, and League Cups.

International Career and Achievements

Gündogan's international career with Germany has been equally impressive. After representing Germany at youth levels, he made his senior debut in 2011. He was part of the squad that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, although he did not play a major role in the tournament. Over the years, he has remained an integral part of the German national team, offering leadership and stability in midfield.

While Gündogan has enjoyed success at the international level, he has also experienced challenges with Germany, particularly in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship. Despite this, he remains a key figure in the national team, contributing to Germany’s efforts in qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

Playing Style and Legacy

Ilkay Gündogan’s playing style is defined by his vision, passing accuracy, and intelligence on the ball. He is a player who thrives in tight spaces, capable of finding pockets of space to create opportunities for his teammates. His dribbling and ball control allow him to glide past opponents, while his ability to read the game and make quick decisions is a hallmark of his play.

One of Gündogan’s key strengths is his ability to score goals from midfield. Although not primarily known as a goal-scorer, he has demonstrated a knack for arriving in the box at the right time, as seen in his pivotal goals for Manchester City in their title-winning campaigns. His leadership qualities and composure under pressure also make him an invaluable asset to both his club and the national team.

Conclusion

Ilkay Gündogan’s journey from a promising young talent at 1. FC Nürnberg to a key player at Manchester City and the German national team is a testament to his skill, versatility, and hard work. His ability to control the game from midfield, combined with his intelligence and technical ability, has made him one of the best midfielders of his generation. As he continues to achieve success with Manchester City and Germany, Gündogan's legacy as a master of the midfield is firmly secured.


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