Ilkay Gundogan was one of the highest-achieving players that FC Barcelona brought to their squad in the last summer transfer window. The German is used to winning and had won the treble with Manchester City only the last season before making the move to Spain.
He is also one of the most respected players in the dressing room, and thus never shies away from calling his teammates out whenever he is dissatisfied with their performances. This was clearly the case after Barcelona lost the first El Clasico of the season, and also after the draw against Athletic Club last week.
However, the German was very happy with his team after they qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after their convincing win against Napoli.
As SPORT has noted, the midfielder expressed this satisfaction by sharing an image of himself accompanied by his teammates Andreas Christensen, Raphinha, and Joao Cancelo, along with the caption that went: “Proud of the boys. Well deserved over 180 minutes. UCL quarter-finals here we go.”
Gundogan himself was one of the most influential players on the pitch last night, as has been the case throughout this season.
He was key for Barcelona in the first leg of the tie as well but showcased his offensive talents mainly in the last 25 minutes of the second leg after Xavi allowed him to operate higher up the pitch by supporting him with Sergi Roberto and Oriol Romeu.
This move definitely helped the German get in a more commanding position on the pitch, and connect more easily with the Barcelona forwards.
Gundogan’s most decisive characteristic of good decision-making was clearly on display last night, and the whole team reaped the benefits of the German’s intelligence. Now already having progressed to the quarter-finals, the midfielder will be looking to help his team further advance into the top European competition.
