This summer saw Manchester City club legend Ilkay Gundogan return to the club after a season with Barcelona. Based on how successful Ilkay Gundogan’s first stint was with Manchester City, expectations were high for the club legends’ return. But to date, Gundogan has made a slow start to his second spell at the world champions. But based on the performances from the former German international throughout his career it is only a matter of time before he comes good for Manchester City.
When Gundogan’s signing was announced the expectation was that the former City captain would be a squad player for Pep Guardiola. It wasn’t thought that he’d have such a prominent role so early on for Manchester City. But injuries have forced Pep Guardiola to call upon Gundogan more often. Injuries to Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, in particular, have seen the midfielder make 12 appearances already this season. He has carried a heavy workload since returning to the world champions.
In those 12 appearances, some of Gundogan’s performances have been well below his usual standards. His performance against Newcastle in City’s 1-all draw at St. James Park was one of his worst in a City shirt. He redeemed himself in City’s next match after the draw with Newcastle against Slovan Bratislava. He scored the opener in City’s 4-nil win. That performance showed that Gundogan still has quality football in him.
But that isn’t in doubt. The German midfielder is a proven performer. He showed that during his first spell with the club. Last season saw him named in the La Liga team of the season during his only season with Barcelona.it is only a matter of time before Gundogan returns to his best for Manchester City. He’s too good not to. It would be a boost for Pep Guardiola and his team if he could do that today against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.