Jay Bothroyd believes Manchester City are missing the presence of Ilkay Gundogan this season.
The pundit emphasised Gundogan’s importance to this Sky Blues side on Sky Sports (18/12/2023).
Kolo Toure also claimed that the Barcelona midfielder’s exit in the summer has been a “big loss” for the treble-winners.
Jay Bothroyd says Manchester City are really missing Ilkay Gundogan this season
Micah Richards also claimed that losing the German as well as Riyad Mahrez in the same summer has not made life any easier for City.
As things stand, Pep Guardiola’s men are five points adrift of the top of the Premier League table, sitting in fourth place behind Aston Villa, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Jay Bothroyd has explained why Manchester City are missing Ilkay Gundogan in the 2023/2024 season so far.
“I’ll tell you who I think was important for them. [Ilkay] Gundogan. He was that midfielder that turned up in big games when they were struggling and got those important goals”, he said on Sky Sports.
Bernardo Silva will have to step up in the meantime
Jay Bothroyd makes a fair point as Ilkay Gundogan is considered a Manchester City legend for a reason.
Over the years, the 33-year-old has been one of City’s most pivotal players.
Bernardo Silva, however, will have the responsibility of fully replacing Ilkay Gundogan during the second half of the season.
Once Kevin De Bruyne returns from injury, one can foresee the Portuguese international slotting into midfield alongside him, with Phil Foden potentially deployed as a right-winger.
Bernardo Silva will be tasked with controlling proceedings and defending in a pivot in off-the-ball scenarios, much like Ilkay Gundogan from an attacking midfield position.
Luckily enough for Pep Guardiola, the 29-year-old has shown this season and in the past that he is well capable of fulfilling that role.
Whether the former AS Monaco maestro also manages to be a key contributor to City’s attack, ups his end product and steps up with vital goals like Gundogan is the question.
If he can manage to do so, Ilkay Gundogan’s absence will not be felt as much.
