Ilkay Gundogan: Europe’s Top Creator
The signing of Ilkay Gundogan by Barcelona last summer raised some eyebrows. At 33 years old, he joined the team on a three-year deal with a reported yearly wage of €9 million after tax. However, eight months later, it is clear that the investment has paid off. Gundogan has proven himself as Europe’s top creator, becoming the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to create 100 chances this season.
Gundogan’s contributions to Barcelona cannot be understated. He has provided 10 assists, the most in the team, and scored five goals across 38 games in all competitions. He is Xavi’s most used player, with over 3,000 on-pitch minutes, and his most effective. No Barcelona midfielder has matched the quality of his performances.
Gundogan’s versatility has been crucial for Barcelona, solving some of the team’s biggest tactical problems. He has played in various positions, sometimes sacrificing his opportunities to create chances in attack. Despite this, he has still managed to create an impressive 100 chances in all competitions.
When comparing Gundogan’s stats to his peers, his lead becomes even more apparent. In La Liga, his closest rival in chances created is Isco, although he suffered a hamstring injury that could keep him out for the rest of the season. Gundogan’s lead looks even healthier when focusing on chances created from open play. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is his closest rival, but still falls behind.
Within the Barcelona squad, Gundogan’s creativity stands out. Full-back Joao Cancelo is the closest to him in terms of chances created, but Gundogan has created twice as many chances per 90 minutes on average. Xavi himself has praised Gundogan’s impact on the team, stating that “when Gundogan has the ball, everything gets better.”
However, Barcelona’s heavy reliance on Gundogan’s versatility also reveals the team’s dysfunctions. Originally planned to be used primarily as a creative force in the final third, Gundogan has often found himself covering deeper positions. This has left the team lacking in the attacking department, leading Xavi to experiment with other players in different positions.
Despite playing nearly half of his games as a defensive midfielder, Gundogan’s passing and creativity have not been compromised. He has completed the most passes into the opponent’s penalty area and tops the team’s ranking in progressive passes completed. His ability to crash into the box and make crucial runs has also been evident, as demonstrated in recent matches against Getafe and Alaves.
Gundogan’s desire to become a leader at Barcelona is palpable. He wants to replicate his success as captain at Manchester City and has already impressed his teammates with his work ethic and high standards. However, his lack of pace can make him vulnerable in quick defensive transitions, similar to legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets.
While Gundogan’s impressive numbers speak for themselves, he is aware that there is room for improvement. He believes that each player on the team can contribute more and that Barcelona has been performing below expectations this season. Additionally, data suggests that his teammates have not been converting the chances he creates at an average rate.
Despite the challenges faced by Barcelona this season, there is no doubt about Gundogan’s impact on the team. He has proven himself as Europe’s top creator and continues to be a fundamental piece of Xavi’s lineup. As the season progresses, Gundogan will undoubtedly play a crucial role in Barcelona’s pursuit of success.
In conclusion, Ilkay Gundogan has established himself as Europe’s top creator at Barcelona. His versatility, creativity, and impact on the team have been evident throughout the season. Despite his age, Gundogan continues to excel and prove his worth. As Barcelona looks to improve and achieve their goals, Gundogan’s contributions will be vital.