Gundogan can play four positions in Xavi's scheme

New signing Ilkay Gundogan could become Barca's key tactician from next season.

According to Mundo Deportivo , at Barca, Gundogan will mainly play in one of two winger positions, sometimes moving deep to the left to take advantage of his penetrating ability. The German midfielder can also move into the middle to play as a holding midfielder, but only in emergencies.

Rodri’s progression and adaptation to the holding midfield role has seen Gundogan rotated into other roles at Man City, in a way that maximises the German’s attacking abilities, rather than playing him in midfield. This was evident last season, when Gundogan was placed behind centre-forward Erling Haaland by coach Pep Guardiola, and thanks to that, he could easily approach the goal and score regularly.

Therefore, coach Xavi will have many options. Gundogan's vision is very wide, with the ability to launch effective passes, making him fully capable of playing a playmaking role. Gundogan scored eight goals last season in the Premier League and 11 in all competitions. He knows how to coordinate, interact with teammates and has the ability to fill in for the full-backs when they move forward.

Gundogan is Barca's first new signing this summer. Photo: FC Barcelona — Gundogan is Barca's first new signing this summer. Photo: *FC Barcelona*

Gundogan is also expected to adapt easily to the playing systems at Barca thanks to seven seasons working at Man City with Guardiola - a coach with many creative and demanding tactics. In addition, meeting old teammates such as Robert Lewandowski or Marc-Andre ter Stegen will help him adapt faster.

Since Lionel Messi left in the summer of 2021, Barca have been lacking a free-kick specialist. They have not scored a goal from a direct free-kick since May 2, 2021, against Valencia in La Liga. Gundogan has scored a free-kick this year, against Everton at the end of the 2022-2023 Premier League season. It was a technical and accurate kick. He could be the free-kick taker that Barca is lacking. At 32 and will be 33 in October, Gundogan also has experience playing in top leagues. His leadership qualities could help Barca make better decisions. Gundogan is also a cool-headed player who rarely loses his temper.

On June 26, Barca confirmed a two-year deal with Gundogan after the German midfielder's contract with Man City expired and he was free to leave. "The contract is for two years with an option to extend for one year. The release clause is worth 436 million USD," the Camp Nou team announced.

Gundogan is Barca's first summer signing. The La Liga champions are also chasing Joao Cancelo, Marcelo Brozovic, Giovani Lo Celso and Adrien Rabiot. In turn, they have released Busquets and Jordi Alba, while also looking to offload Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, Sergino Dest, Nico Gonzalez, Francisco Trincao, Ansu Fati, Franck Kessie and Ferran Torres.

Duy Doan

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