Xavi says former Man City midfielder is Barca’s cornerstone

Barcelona’s manager Xavi has hailed the influence of summer signing Ilkay Gundogan on his team despite playing just two La Liga games since joining from Manchester City.

The German midfielder joined in a free transfer after his contract with last season’s treble winners expired, choosing to leave Etihad to join the Blaugrana instead of signing a new Manchester City contract as Pep Guardiola expected.

Having signed a three-year deal with Barcelona in the summer, he has played two La Liga games providing an assist as Barcelona secured a win and a draw in their opening two games.

The Spanish have gone ahead to reveal that the German 32-year-old has the Barca DNA and helps the other players.

 “Gundo is a cornerstone for the team. He has the Barça DNA. He never loses possession, makes a difference with the ball, and always makes the right decision. We signed Gündogan to make the difference. Last year, we lacked interior play and the last pass. Now with Gündogan, Pedri, Gavi, Fermin, Oriol Romeu, it’s different.” Xavi said

After a goalless draw against Getafe on matchday one of the La Liga season, Barcelona secured a 2-0 win over Cadiz on Sunday as Gundogan assisted Pedri’s opener in the 82nd minute.

A second came from Ferran Torres in the stoppage time as Barcelona sit in fifth position on the table. The defending champions of La Liga will face Villarreal next.

Ilkay Gundogan is one of the few summer signings that Barcelona made in the transfer window alongside Oriol Romeu, Faye Mikayil, Martinez Inigo, and Vitor Roque.

Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Cadiz is one of these three games played on Sunday that also saw Girona beat Getafe 3-0 while Atletico Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Real Betis. Monday’s action saw Alaves secure a 4-3 win over Sevilla, where Kike Garcia scored a brace for the promoted side.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu