Atletico Madrid
Comparing €150m La Liga star and Man City’s contract rebel – Stats show Pep should splash the cash on the former
Manchester City opinion: Gundogan vs Saul Niguez – stats comparison
ESPN has reported that Ilkay Gundogan has reservations about his future at the club and has thus halted any progress that Manchester City were making on a new deal.
The 28-year-old has been an important outlet for the club this season, playing in the middle of the park but is well aware that minutes depend on injuries elsewhere.
Both Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho have had injury littered seasons, which is why Gundogan has been afforded a lot of game time. If both the Belgian and the Brazilian are fully fit and firing, there is always the worry for the German that he might be relegated to the bench.
Manchester City being Manchester City, a club with immense finances and the ability to attract the best in the world, won’t be held hostage.
They are more than willing to sell Ilkay Gundogan and bring in his replacement, which ESPN has reported as Saul Niguez. Currently contracted to Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old has been impressive for the Los Rojiblancos since his debut.
Pep Guardiola was the manager of Bayern Munich when Niguez scored a sumptuous solo goal to cap a win for Atletico. The La Liga side will demand a fee of around €150million (AS) but is he worth the risk?
Ilkay Gundogan vs Saul Niguez (Attacking numbers)
Gundogan has been a silver lining for Manchester City this season, especially after injuries to both Kevin De Bruyne and Fernandinho. The German has averaged 1 shot per game, 1.2 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game.
His shooting has been rather lacklustre, often missing the target, which has been a cause frustration for some fans. His passing has always been really good, which is not surprising given the fact that Manchester City
He’s produced 1.2 key passes, averaging 55.3 passes per game, 1.3 long balls and a 90.5% pass accuracy. While those are impressive stats, they are a consequence of Manchester City’s dominance. Saul, on the other hand, has struggled to make a similar impact for Atletico Madrid this season.
He has still managed to average just 1.7 shots per game, 0.3 key passes per game and 1.5 dribbles per game. His shooting, unlike Gundogan, has been very accurate, with him finding the target more often than not. This has seen him score 8 goals in all competitions, but he has assisted just one goal.
His passing accuracy has also dropped, with the Spaniard averaging just under 80% in all competitions for Atletico Madrid. Like how Gundogan’s statistics are inflated by Manchester City’s dominance in the Premier League, Saul’s statistics have deflated due to Atletico Madrid’s defensive structure.
Ilkay Gundogan vs Saul Niguez (Defensive numbers)
This is where Saul Niguez flourishes, as the defensive side of the game is the Spaniard’s bread and butter.
This season, he’s averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game. Defensively sound, the 24-year-old has shown that he has the physicality to survive the Premier League, unlike Gundogan who has struggled with the defensive side of his game.
While the German has shown he can flourish offensively, it’s his abilities elsewhere that have left Manchester City a little thin. This season, the 28-year-old has averaged 0.7 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 0.6 clearances which shows why Manchester City have struggled at times.
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Unlike say Fernandinho or even Kevin De Bruyne, the German doesn’t cover too much ground. Saul clearly wins this battle between the two midfielders, and it shows just why he would be a great player for Manchester City.
Statistics source: Ilkay Gundogan (Whoscored), Saul Niguez (Whoscored)
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Conclusion
Saul Niguez would be a brilliant addition for Manchester City and the statistics prove this. The Spaniard has a lot more to offer than Ilkay Gundogan and is easily worth whatever Manchester City will end up spending to get him to England.
Arsenal travels to the BayArena on Wednesday evening in the Champions League last 16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen. The Gunners are overwhelming favourites after finishing top of the league phase with a perfect eight wins from eight matches, while the German side scraped through via the playoff route with victory over Olympiacos.
Mikel Arteta’s side were absolutely flawless in the league phase, with victories over Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan demonstrating their credentials. Arsenal boasted both the best attack, with 23 goals scored, and the best defence, with just four conceded, across those eight matches. The winners progress to a quarter final where they cannot face Real Madrid, Liverpool, PSG, Bayern, or Manchester City.
Kick-off: 17:45 GMT, Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Venue: BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany
TV: TNT Sports
Saliba, Odegaard and White Doubts for Arsenal
The biggest concerns for Arsenal are William Saliba, Martin Ødegaard, and Ben White, who are all doubts after missing the weekend FA Cup victory over Mansfield Town. Saliba’s ankle problem looks the most serious while Odegaard continues managing a knee issue. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were also withdrawn with issues over the weekend.
The positive news is David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes all returning after being rested for Mansfield. Piero Hincapie is eligible to face his parent club this week.
Leverkusen Missing Seven Key Players
Bayer Leverkusen will be without Mark Flekken, Loic Bade, Arthur, Lucas Vazquez, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Nathan Tella, and Patrik Schick through various injuries. This is a massive blow for Kasper Hjulmand’s side, who have won just one of their last five matches. Christian Kofane should lead the line with Jarell Quansah starting in defence.
Former Denmark boss Hjulmand has steadied the ship domestically, with Leverkusen unbeaten in six home matches, conceding just one goal in 540 minutes at the BayArena.
Predicted Lineups
Bayer Leverkusen (3-4-2-1): Blaswich, Andrich, Quansah, Tapsoba, Poku, Garcia, Fernandez, Grimaldo, Maza, Terrier, Kofane
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Eze, Martinelli, Gyokeres
Atletico Madrid
Phallon Tullis-Joyce Sends Bullish Message to Rest of Europe as Manchester United Women Goalkeeper Insists Nobody Should Underestimate Red Devils
Manchester United Women goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce has sent a bullish message to the rest of Europe ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid. The American shot stopper insists teams underestimate United at their peril after the Red Devils secured an impressive 3-0 victory in Spain last week.
Marc Skinner’s side are riding high on a seven game winning streak and looks absolutely unstoppable at the moment. Tullis-Joyce kept another clean sheet in the first leg in Madrid and has been one of United’s standout performers throughout this Champions League campaign.
Might Ruffle a Few Feathers
Speaking in the pre match press conference, Tullis-Joyce revealed the mentality within the squad when asked about how the European campaign has progressed. “Yeah, it’s going great for us so far. I smiled a little bit when you mentioned people underestimating us, that might ruffle a few feathers in the locker room.”
The 29 year old paid further compliments to the team Skinner has built by stating, “We have a complete wealth of diversity and variety in our squad. Different players can step up in any game against any opponent. We’re taking nothing for granted in this next match.”
Special to Represent This Club
Tullis-Joyce was then asked whether keeping a clean sheet in the first leg gives her confidence heading into Thursday evening. She retorted, “I approach each game separately. It doesn’t matter what happened in the past, this is the next game.”
Finally, she revealed her pride in representing Manchester United and stated, “It’s really special to be a player for the Manchester United women’s team. Being part of the continued history of this club is something I hold very precious. I love giving everything I can for the squad.”
United hosts Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village on Thursday evening with kick off at 20:00 GMT.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
Atletico Madrid
Manchester United Women Dealt Blow as Full-Back Ruled Out for at Least Four Weeks With Meniscus Issue
Manchester United Women will be without full back Anna Sandberg for at least another month after Marc Skinner confirmed the Swedish defender requires surgery on a meniscus problem. The Red Devils boss revealed the injury timeline ahead of Thursday’s Women’s Champions League second leg against Atletico Madrid at Leigh Sports Village.
Sandberg last played for United in the first leg against Atletico but was hauled off after just 49 minutes and replaced by Gabrielle George. The 22 year old has been a regular fixture in Skinner’s side this season, and her absence represents a significant blow to United’s defensive options during a crucial period.
Best Case Scenario is Four Weeks
Skinner revealed there needs to be a tidy up around Sandberg’s meniscus and provided a timeline for her potential return. “From the time frame we’ve been given, the best is four, the middle is six and obviously the worst case is eight. If it was eight, she would probably be back three or four games before the end of the season. We’re hopeful we can get it to six but won’t take any risk.”
The United boss emphasized they will not rush Sandberg back given her age and importance to the squad’s long term plans. This is smart management from Skinner, who cannot afford to jeopardize the defender’s career by rushing her rehabilitation.
Numbers Thinning at Left Back
With Sandberg ruled out and Fridolina Rolfo missing the first leg plus the London City Lionesses match, Skinner has a genuine headache at left back. Gabrielle George appears to be the only natural option available for Thursday’s clash, leaving United desperately thin in that position.
Ella Toone also remains out but could return for the crucial Manchester derby against City in March. United sits eight points behind the runaway leaders and needs to be perfect in their remaining fixtures while hoping City stumbles.
Also read: Tottenham Women Equal Club Record After Thrashing Aston Villa 7-3, Match Impressive Run From 2021/22
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