Guardiola suggests where Gundogan will fit in his Man City team
The Germany international was seen within the Blues camp as the prize signing of the summer – the man who will fill the shoes of Yaya Toure as their midfield fulcrum.
But he has been out injured since April with a dislocated kneecap and is still on course to make his debut in the Manchester derby on September 10.
But after City began the season with three straight wins, with Fernandinho excelling as the deep-lying midfielder and David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne as the creative men behind the front three, it is not obvious how the former Borussia Dortmund kingpin fits in.
But when asked about the Belgian's role, Guardiola said “He is a great player – sometimes he will play inside but I prefer him to play outside.”
That would indicate that once Gundogan is fit and ready, he will slot in alongside Silva and De Bruyne will shift to the right side, in competition with Raheem Sterling and Jesus Navas.
Of course, that will change, and Gundogan is more than capable of taking on Fernandinho's more defensive role as well, when Guardiola rotates his players.
But Guardiola will face his first big selection dilemma once Gundogan does return , just as Manuel Pellegrini did last season when De Bruyne joined the Blues late in the transfer window – after City had won their first five games.
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