'Something is not quite right' with Gundogan

We all love Ilkay Gundogan, but he needs to stay away from the line-up... for now.

When Gundogan returned to Etihad Stadium on a free transfer last summer, you would have really struggled to fine one Manchester City fan who was not left overjoyed to see him back.

The German is an all-time hero and legend of the football club, and will always be remembered for inspiring the squad and the wider organisation to securing the greatest season in City's long history back in 2022-23.

But something is not quite right this season, and this certainly is not the player that left the club on a free transfer after that night in Istanbul.

Is that down to a season in Spanish football that has taken his sharpness and cutting edge away from him in comparison with the relentless nature of Premier League football? Or merely the difference in age in comparison with the Treble season?

His eye for a pass remains the same, but his speed at reading the game has deteriorated and his legs are not quite up to speed when it comes to the fast-paced nature of the English top flight, meaning he is continuously caught out of possession in arguably City's most vital position.

Gundogan is in desperate need of support through an energetic defensive midfield partner, or more likely needs to be removed from the position entirely.

Pep Guardiola said it himself on Monday, pointing out that the 34-year-old is an attacking midfielder, and remains one of the best at arriving late into the box for chances at goal.

But until Mateo Kovacic returns, or the club have a full complement of central defenders back at Guardiola's disposal, the flaws in our defensive game via Gundogan's inability to operate in the lone defensive midfield role will remain.

And they could not have come at a worse time with a visit to Liverpool on the horizon. Given the standard of performance so far, you would not be blamed for dreading the possibility of a cricket score at Anfield.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra, external