UEFA Champions League 2018-19, Manchester City 2-1 TSG Hoffenheim: Hits and Flops

#4 Hit: Ilkay Gundogan

Gundogan was impressive and needed to be

Ilkay Gundogan gets criticism aplenty because he's not consistent enough to justify starting in Guardiola's midfield trio alongside the dependable Fernandinho and David Silva. I'm guilty of criticizing him too sometimes, as I reminisce back to his days at Borussia Dortmund where he was a key creator and consistently excelled.

Since then, he's sustained two long-term injuries and has had to adapt his midfield role. And his performance yesterday, albeit not against the most difficult opponent, was very encouraging to watch.

With Foden and Bernardo Silva alongside him, Gundogan was able to orchestrate attacks from deep. Creating two key passes, his 91.9% pass accuracy should come as no surprise - he was constantly looking to get on the ball and play forward.

Registering 81 touches, his tally was only bettered by defensive pairing Otamendi and Laporte, who are both comfortable in possession themselves and love to build from the back.

Two dribbles, one tackle, two interceptions and a clearance completed: Gundgogan must use this momentum now to stake a starting berth claim.