# İlkay Gündogan's Shooting Conversion Rate at Barcelona: A Closer Look

## Introduction

İlkay Gündogan, a midfielder known for his clinical finishing and composure in front of goal, has been a key player for Barcelona since joining in 2019. His ability to convert chances into goals has always been a hallmark of his game, but fans and analysts have noticed a slight dip in his shooting conversion rate since his arrival in Catalonia. This article delves into Gündogan's shooting conversion rate at Barcelona, analyzing his performance, the factors influencing it, and what it means for his role in the team.

## Conversion Rate Analysis

A shooting conversion rate is the percentage of shots on target that a player converts into goals. At Barcelona, Gündogan has maintained a relatively high conversion rate, but it has fluctuated slightly compared to his days at Manchester City. During the 2022–23 season, for instance, Gündogan scored 15 goals in 38 appearances, with a shot conversion rate of approximately 20%. This rate is still impressive, but it is lower than his conversion rate during his time at City, where he often finished in the mid-20s.

One of the reasons for the slight drop in conversion rate could be the increased tactical demands placed on Gündogan at Barcelona. In Manchester City's system, Gündogan often operated as a central attacking midfielder, with the freedom to make decisive runs and exploit defensive gaps. In contrast, at Barcelona, he has been used more as a false nine, a role that requires him to drop deep and link defense and attack, potentially limiting his ability to be in the right position to finish.

## Key Factors Affecting His Accuracy

Several factors have contributed to Gündogan's slight dip in conversion rate at Barcelona. First and foremost, the dynamic nature of Barcelona's attacking style requires Gündogan to adapt to different positional demands. As a false nine, he is often tasked with tracking back and covering defensive gaps, which can result in fewer clear chances to shoot.

Second, the quality of Barcelona's attacking options, such as Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, has increased the competition for Gündogan in terms of finding the back of the net. Both players are clinical finishers in their own right, which can put pressure on Gündogan to maintain his high standards.

Additionally, Gündogan's role as a playmaker has seen him take on more responsibilities in terms of creating chances for his teammates. While this is a positive sign of his evolution as a player, it has sometimes led to fewer shots on target for him personally.

## His Role in the Team

Despite the slight dip in conversion rate, Gündogan remains a vital asset to Barcelona's attacking arsenal. His ability to control the tempo of the game, link defense and attack, and contribute to the goal-scoring process is unparalleled. His work rate and positional awareness make him a key player in Xavi Hernández's system, and his influence extends far beyond the statistics.

However, Xavi and Barcelona may need to consider how best to utilize Gündogan to maximize his effectiveness. Whether it's adjusting his role or providing more support in the final third, the club and coach have the resources to help Gündogan return to his peak form.

## Conclusion

İlkay Gündogan's shooting conversion rate at Barcelona has seen a slight decline compared to his previous seasons, but this should not overshadow his overall contribution to the team. His ability to adapt to different roles, his work rate, and his tactical intelligence make him one of the most valuable players in the squad. While there is room for improvement, Gündogan's presence continues to be a cornerstone of Barcelona's attacking performances. With the right tactical adjustments and support, the German midfielder can still play a pivotal role in the club's future success.