İlkay Gündoğan: The Unsung Hero of Manchester City’s Midfield
In a Manchester City squad brimming with world-class talent—including the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Rodri—İlkay Gündoğan has consistently remained a pivotal figure. Regardless of the fierce competition for places, he is a regular starter in 20 to 30 matches every season and often dons the captain’s armband when fit. This enduring importance is rooted in his exceptional understanding of the game and remarkable off-the-ball movement, qualities that set him apart even amidst footballing superstars.
The Subtle Art of Movement: Gündoğan’s Key Attribute
Gündoğan is celebrated not just for his ability on the ball but for what he brings when City are in transition. Operating primarily as a box-to-box midfielder, he often drifts toward positions associated with a ‘false 9’ or creative ‘number 10’. Thanks to the midfield stability provided by Rodri and the tactical flexibility of inverted full-backs such as John Stones, Gündoğan has the freedom to advance into dangerous areas.
Unlike De Bruyne, who orchestrates attacks with visionary passing, or Bernardo Silva, whose dribbling can unbalance defenses, Gündoğan’s influence is more understated. His signature lies in making intelligent runs that both create and exploit space, supporting attacks while also helping City close gaps when out of possession.
Why Gündoğan Excels as City’s Box-to-Box Midfielder
The German international exemplifies the modern box-to-box role: bursting forward to add numbers in attack and then quickly plugging gaps defensively. Even at 32, Gündoğan’s ability to read the game and anticipate play eclipses his need for raw athleticism. His energy and spatial awareness ensure he’s often in the right spot at the right time, whether arriving late in the box to finish a cross or intercepting passes between the lines.
Transitioning from False 9 to Supporting Haaland
While Manchester City’s recent system revolves around Erling Haaland’s prolific goal scoring, Gündoğan previously thrived during City’s ‘false 9’ era. In seasons past, he was crucial in exploiting opposition defenses, especially by arriving late into the penalty area—highlighted by his career-best 13-goal campaign in 2020-21.
When Haaland is absent, City often return to a fluid attacking setup. In a memorable 4-1 victory over Liverpool, Gündoğan reprised his old role, taking full advantage of narrow full-backs and capitalizing on low deliveries such as switches across the box. Several of City’s goals in that match arose from Gündoğan’s trademark late runs and quick shifts in attack.
Disrupting Liverpool: Tactical Movement in Action
Against Liverpool, Gündoğan’s off-the-ball movement was a tactical nightmare for the opposition. He consistently found pockets of space to the right and especially to the left of Fabinho, Liverpool’s holding midfielder, areas frequently left unguarded.
By drifting into these zones, Gündoğan forced opposition players such as Fabinho and Konaté to make difficult decisions, often pulling them out of position and freeing up City’s wide attackers. His awareness allowed him not only to threaten the goal with late box runs but also to position himself as a secondary option at the back post—stretching the Liverpool defense even further.
Observing his movement during that match reveals several core strategies:
– Timing runs to the blindside of defenders for unmarked finishes
– Drawing defensive midfielders and center-backs out of their zones
– Creating overloads in wide and half-space positions
– Facilitating quick switches of play to exploit unguarded flanks
Creating Opportunities for Teammates
Gündoğan’s value goes far beyond personal goal scoring. By frequently shifting into half-spaces or pulling defenders centrally, he creates gaps for City’s wingers and strikers. His ability to attract defensive attention from multiple opponents—sometimes even drawing out leading defenders like Virgil Van Dijk—creates opportunities for teammates like Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez to operate with greater freedom.
For example, when Van Dijk stepped up to meet Gündoğan, it left space for City’s striker and winger to attack. Andy Robertson then had to cover multiple threats, often leaving Mahrez wide open on the opposite side. Such intelligent movement helps City sustain pressure and unlock deep-lying defenses.
Gündoğan’s Enduring Influence for Manchester City
The 32-year-old’s masterclass against Liverpool was a reminder of his tactical intelligence and importance to Pep Guardiola’s system. Even as attention often focuses on headline-grabbing stars and prolific scorers, it is Gündoğan’s subtle, purposeful movement that enables Manchester City to consistently dominate top-level opposition.
His ability to manipulate space, create openings for teammates, and pop up with crucial goals ensures he remains one of City’s most effective and reliable performers—especially in high-stakes matches. In many ways, Gündoğan embodies the silent engine that drives one of Europe’s most successful teams.
Summary
İlkay Gündoğan’s role at Manchester City is a testament to the lasting impact of footballers whose intelligence, movement, and tactical understanding elevate their teams. Whether supporting a classic striker like Haaland or operating in a false 9 structure, his unique contribution is fundamental to City’s modern dominance. By relishing the less glamorous aspects of the game and consistently outwitting opponents, Gündoğan proves that footballing brilliance is often found off the ball as much as on it.
