Player who left Man City in 2023 has now done something no other footballer in Europe has this season

Player who left Man City in 2023 has now done something no other footballer in Europe has this season

Ilkay Gundogan has endured a tough time at Barcelona since leaving Manchester City in 2023.

 

 

The German finds himself fourth in La Liga behind Girona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, while it has also been announced that Xavi – the man who signed him – is leaving this summer.

 

It has been far from plain sailing for the 33-year-old, although he is still performing out on the pitch, achieving something no other player in Europe has done yet this season on Saturday.

 

So, what did Ilkay Gundogan do? Let’s take a look…

 

Gundogan sets 2023/24 record

 

Well, the Manchester City legend became the first player in Europe’s top five leagues to register ten key passes in one game on Saturday – according to WhoScored.

 

Gundogan remarkably provided ten key passes as Barcelona suffered a 5-3 defeat to Villarreal, while also getting on the scoresheet himself.

 

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The Barcelona No.22 now has four goals and eight assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this season, which is a strong return from midfield in a struggling side.

 

gundogan manchester city

Photo by David S.Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images

There are surely times when Gundogan may feel a tinge of regret at leaving Manchester City for Barcelona as the Citizens secure silverware like the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, especially as those at the Etihad Stadium wanted him to stay.

 

 

Nevertheless, the Gelsenkirchen-born maestro made his decision, and things could always improve for him in Spain depending on who replaces Xavi.

 

Why Gundogan left Manchester City

While Gundogan will have surely expected things to go a little better at Barcelona, the German was simply chasing his dream – so nobody can begrudge him for making the move.

 

The Barcelona maestro told Sporx: “For me, the value of Barcelona has always been high. Barcelona are completely different. It was my dream.

 

 

“I always wanted to play for Barcelona one day. This summer was my chance and I wanted to make it happen.”

 

gundogan manchester city

Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images

Therefore – despite having a better chance of silverware at Manchester City – you can understand why Gundogan departed the Etihad Stadium for Barcelona.