Gündoğan as Buruk’s right hand
İlkay Gündoğan has taken on a role at Galatasaray that goes beyond a typical midfielder. On and off the pitch, he is regarded as head coach Okan Buruk’s trusted on field extension.
The experienced player, signed from Premier League side Manchester City, has showcased his quality beyond match days. His growing influence outside the pitch is shaping the team’s daily work.
Leadership and game intelligence
Gündoğan stands out with constant guidance, tactical discipline and clear communication with teammates during games. His football IQ and leadership traits in the dressing room and on the touchline have earned broad appreciation.
From the staff’s perspective, Gündoğan is more than a player; he effectively acts as an assistant coach on the pitch. That presence elevates Galatasaray’s in game decisions and strengthens team cohesion.
A new on pitch assistant
Within a short time he has become a special figure at the club. Teammates look to his cues, and Buruk sees him as the conduit for ideas on the field, a valuable role in Turkish football.
In the Premier League he was one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted figures, and he now holds a similar status at Galatasaray. As a result, he serves as a key anchor for putting the technical blueprint into practice.
