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However, City’s latest quest for the trophy it most desires is restarted this week with the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Borussia Moenchengladbach.
As Pep Guardiola’s first signing after arriving in Manchester, Gundogan joined a project determined to make a mark in Europe’s premier club competition.
Despite six major trophies in the last five years and the likelihood of more coming this season with City also strong in both national cup competitions, the Champions League has been a constant source of frustration for Guardiola.
With the Catalan, City have not passed the quarter-finals in four attempts.
Following a winning streak of 18 matches in all competitions, it is not the first time that the Premier League leaders have found themselves tagged as Champions League favorites.
If this is going to be the year that Sheikh Mansour’s multi-billion dollar investment pays off in Champions League glory, Gundogan is likely to be a central figure.
The German is already having his best scoring season with 13 in all competitions, 11 of which have come in his last 13 Premier League matches.
Gundogan’s game is about much more than goals. Metronomic midfielder who rarely gives the ball away, he fits the profile as the type of player that Guardiola loves.
“He’s a very smart player,” said the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager. “That is one of the qualities that I appreciate the most, intelligence, players who understand everything that happens during the game and solve it as quickly as possible.”
‘One of the best’
However, Gundogan’s versatility also made him a favorite of Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel during his time at Borussia Dortmund.
“Ilkay was one of the best players I have coached,” Liverpool manager Klopp said before Gundogan scored twice against the English champions in a 4-1 win earlier this month.
“When you’re smart and experience comes into play as well, then it’s another leap in your performance level. It doesn’t surprise me at all.”
Gundogan’s first stint in England was interrupted by a cruciate ligament injury that ruled him out for nine months.
Upon his return, he was faced with finding his way to a three midfield from Fernandinho, David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne who shone as City set an English top flight record of 100 points to sail to the title in 2018/19 .
Now 30, Silva left and Fernandinho playing a supporting role at 35, Gundogan is one of the City’s leaders.
When De Bruyne was recently ruled out for a month with a hamstring injury, he scored six times in five games and Guardiola’s men did not lose a point.
That maturity has also been shown off the pitch, as he launched a charity campaign to help local bars, cafes and restaurants struggling to survive through the coronavirus shutdown.
However, like many of his teammates, Gundogan has yet to show his best on the Champions League stage in a City jersey after making a name for himself in a race to the final for Klopp’s Dortmund. in 2012/13.
With their former boss now battling an injury crisis that has devastated Liverpool’s Premier League title defense, Barcelona on their way out, champion Bayern Munich showing signs of fatigue and Real Madrid no longer the force they once were. it was, City will never have a better chance of finally making their Champions League breakthrough.
kca / td
