Garth Crooks says Manchester City man Ilkay Gundogan has been ‘phenomenal’ this season

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BBC pundit and former player, Garth Crooks, has included Manchester City midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, in his team of the season.

Gundogan has been a key figure for City throughout the campaign. Deployed both in attacking and deeper roles, the German star has helped Pep Guardiola’s men romp to the Premier League title.

Champions League glory now awaits for both Gundogan and City. Indeed, a good performance from him and his teammates will surely result in the European Cup coming back to Manchester.

And Crooks, who was naming his full XI for the season, believes Gundogan has been one of the stars of the show this term.

“There were moments this season when we saw performances from Germany midfielder Gundogan that were quite phenomenal,” Crooks said. (BBC)

“They were mostly when Kevin de Bruyne was unavailable for selection, which must have been very frustrating for the top teams who thought the absence of the Belgium international would be to their advantage.

“Well, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. The level of performance from Gundogan and the quality of the goals were quite spectacular. It was the sort of purple patch you don’t see very often and was absolutely wonderful to watch.”

Gundogan notched himself 13 Premier League goals this season. That’s his best return since moving to City, and he’s now a key figure in the midfield for Guardiola.

City paid a bargain £20m (BBC) for Gundogan back in 2016. It’s safe to say, then, that the fee has been repaid and then some.

TBR’s View: Gundogan is exceptional, what a player

What more can you say about Gundogan that Crooks hasn’t already covered here? The midfielder has been outstanding.

He’s gone from just a squad player to one of the first names on the teamsheet at The Etihad.

If he is fit for the Champions League final, then City will be even more confident of seeing off Chelsea than before. He really is that good.