Barcelona need their stars to step up when it matters the most on the field. The players that are chosen and handpicked by Barça to improve the team are always special kinds of talents. However, Barcelona have not had their most prominent players step up as often as is expected of them this season.
Yet, that does not negate the fact that moments of excellence and brilliance do exist. While the frequency is not ideal, Barcelona still do possess some very capable superstars within their ranks. Getting them to shine regularly, however, has been the main concern.
One player, in particular, who has lacked the consistency to showcase his talents is Ilkay Gundogan. While the German midfielder remains undeniably talented, he does not always get the chance to showcase his best.
However, against UD Las Palmas, as highlighted by SPORT, that opportunity arrived. In the dying minutes of the game, Barcelona were awarded a penalty. Ultimately, that penalty was both won and converted by the German veteran himself.
Originally intending to score a header to earn his team the victory, the former Manchester City star was ultimately thwarted. Fortunately for him, a Las Palmas defender ended up putting way too much force on Gundogan’s back, and helped give Barcelona a much needed penalty.
With the pressure now on him, Gundogan needed to step up when it mattered most. Not the regular penalty taker for the Catalan giants, he still made sure to give the game a strong conclusion for Barcelona despite the intent of the Las Palmas fans to distract him.
A serial winner with Manchester City, Gundogan was brought in to help Barcelona achieve greatness again as well. With this goal, the Spanish club knows that they can count on the veteran in intense environments. Finishing the game against Las Palmas with a 2-1 scoreline, it was ultimately Gundogan’s goal that was decisive.
