In Focus: Gundogan keeping City Treble dream on track

Manchester City are in contention for a historic Treble as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

Pep Guardiola's team are one win away from Premier League glory following Arsenal's collapse against Brighton and will play bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

On paper, tonight's match with Los Blancos is their toughest assignment left this season. 

And in midfield metronome Ilkay Gundogan, the Citizens have an in-form leader who can turn the 1-1 aggregate score into a memorable victory.

Ahead of a potential European epic at the Etihad, we shine the spotlight on the underrated German helping to keep the Treble dream alive.

Run-in master

Last season, Gundogan delivered the goods for City when it mattered most, scoring twice in the 3-2 final-day comeback win over Aston Villa and sealing a fourth Premier League title in five seasons.

And he is finding form at the business end this time around, too. The ex-Borussia Dortmund star's brace in the 3-0 victory at Everton was his second double in succession after bagging both goals against Leeds.

The 32-year-old's four strikes came from an xG of just 1.11 and his audacious first against the Toffees saw Jamie Carragher compare him to Arsenal icon Dennis Bergkamp.

The former Liverpool defender said: "He was a special player at Dortmund and he's a special player at City. The goal we're looking at now I think is goal of the season.

"It reminded me of something Bergkamp did. That is a goal we will remember for a long time."

Keeps City ticking

As well as scoring nine goals in all competitions, Gundogan has been key to how City's midfield works and will be vital in the latest battle against the likes of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde.

In the Champions League, the maestro ranks eighth overall for passes completed (572) and 10th for final third passes completed (153).

Switching back to Premier League action, the stylish No8 has completed the fifth-most through-balls of any player in the division.

And among City players, only Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne have made more final-third passes than Gundogan this season (419).

The 66-cap international is showing no signs of slowing down and, if anything, is as important to the league leaders as ever.

Jack of all trades

Gundogan thrives as a more attacking midfielder but is capable of playing in a deeper role, showing the versatility Guardiola adores.

After the win at Goodison Park, the Catalan said: "He is a guy who plays close to the box and has an incredible sense of the goal. But he can play holding midfield, defensively, no problem.

"He proved that years ago when Fernandinho was injured. He is a guy who handles the pressure really, really well."

Gundogan has been linked with a switch to Barcelona this summer when his contract expires but City will be desperate to tie him to a new deal as soon as possible.