Gundogan can play in 4 positions in Xavi’s formation

New signing Ilkay Gundogan can become a crucial tactical key for Barca next season.

According to Mundo Deportivo, at Barca, Gundogan will mainly play in one of the two wing midfielder positions, occasionally dropping deep on the left wing to take advantage of his penetrating abilities. The German midfielder can also shift into a central defensive midfield role, but only in emergency situations.

Rodri’s progress and adaptation as a defensive midfielder at Manchester City allowed Gundogan to be rotated in different roles, maximizing his attacking abilities instead of playing him in the center of the field. This was evident last season when Gundogan was positioned behind striker Erling Haaland by manager Pep Guardiola, enabling him to easily access the penalty area and score goals consistently.

Therefore, Xavi will have many options. Gundogan has a wide range of observations, with a high ability to deliver effective passes, enabling him to play a crucial role. Gundogan scored eight goals last season in the Premier League and 11 goals across all competitions. He knows how to coordinate and interact with teammates and has the ability to fill in the positions of wing defenders when they push forward.

Gundogan is also expected to adapt easily to Barca’s playing systems, thanks to his seven seasons working at Manchester City with Guardiola, a manager known for his creativity and demanding tactical requirements. Additionally, reuniting with former teammates like Robert Lewandowski or Marc-Andre ter Stegen will help him adjust faster.

Since Lionel Messi’s departure in the summer of 2021, Barca has lacked a free-kick specialist. They haven’t scored a direct free-kick goal since May 2, 2021, in a match against Valencia in La Liga. Gundogan has scored a free-kick goal this year, against Everton in the closing stages of the 2022-2023 Premier League season.

It was a technically precise strike. He could be the free-kick taker that Barca is missing. At the age of 32, turning 33 in October, Gundogan also has experience playing in top-level competitions. His leadership qualities can help Barca make more accurate decisions. Gundogan is also a composed player, rarely losing his cool.

On June 26, Barca confirmed a two-year contract with Gundogan after the German midfielder’s contract with Manchester City expired, allowing him to leave on a free transfer. “The contract is for two years with a one-year extension clause. The release clause is valued at $436 million,” the Camp Nou-based club announced.

Gundogan is Barca’s first signing this summer. The La Liga champions are also pursuing Joao Cancelo, Marcelo Brozovic, Giovani Lo Celso, and Adrien Rabiot. On the other hand, they have released Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while considering moving on from Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, Sergino Dest, Nico Gonzalez, Francisco Trincao, Ansu Fati, Franck Kessie, and Ferran Torres.

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