Ilkay Gündogan’s pivotal role in Barcelona’s recent success, despite positional adjustments and heavy playing time.
Ilkay Gündogan has become a linchpin in Barcelona’s recent resurgence, earning praise for his instrumental role in crucial matches. For instance, in the Champions League clash against Napoli, he assisted Lewandowski’s goal. Additionally, his performance at the Metropolitano showcased his versatility, despite being deployed in a deeper role due to Frenkie de Jong’s absence. This versatility is a testament to his importance to Xavi Hernández’s side amidst their injury crisis.
The German midfielder’s statistics in the Metropolitano match underscore his impact, leading in various categories such as ball recoveries and completed passes. This highlights his prowess and indispensability at 33 years old. His substantial playing time both for Barcelona and the German national team this season raises concerns about player workload management. As the crucial part of the season unfolds, Gündogan’s role becomes even more pivotal, especially with the absence of Christensen.
He is accustomed to handling significant minutes throughout his career, nearing a milestone in terms of total minutes played. This exemplifies his endurance and commitment to both club and country.
