They may be stylistically different – Bernardo is equally at home in City’s front three, whilst Gundogan is often found deeper – but the duo share several traits which make them ideal for Pep Guardiola’s innovative system.
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Work rate? Yes. Creativity? Without doubt. Intelligence? In abundance.
Indeed, in the midst of a stellar scoring run last season, Guardiola hailed Gundogan’s football IQ, whilst after the convincing win over Sporting the Catalan lauded Bernardo’s unique understanding of the game.
The similarities don’t end there.
In fact, in a quirk of fate, the two men share a remarkably similar goal record for City.
Both have scored 45 times, with Bernardo doing so in 234 appearances and Gundogan getting there in 237 games.
They have both been on target against 24 teams during their time at the Etihad Stadium, with Watford the Portugal international’s favoured opponent, whilst our No.8 has saved his best scoring form for West Bromwich Albion. Both have scored five apiece against their respective teams.
There isn’t much difference when you delve into how they have scored, either.
Bernardo has 39 goals from inside the box to Gundogan’s 37, though the German is two ahead when it comes to strikes from outside the area, netting eight times to his team-mate’s six.
Gundogan’s goals made him a key figure in last season’s title triumph, hitting a career-best 17 times to end an exceptional campaign as City’s leading scorer.
Riyad Mahrez currently holds than honour in 2021-22, though Bernardo’s standout performances have been reminiscent of Gundogan’s last season, with the playmaker’s 10 goals leaving him on course to break his own personal best tally of 13.
Whether they are scoring or not, there is no denying that the class both players instil in City’s midfield makes them a dream duo.
Bernardo and Gundogan’s scoring stats
| Bernardo | Gundogan | |
| Appearances | 234 | 237 |
| Goals | 45 | 45 |
| Goals (inside box) | 39 | 37 |
| Goals (outside box) | 6 | 8 |
| Goals (left foot) | 38 | 8 |
| Goals (right foot) | 4 | 31 |
| Goals (headed) | 3 | 6 |
| Goals (penalties) | 0 | 4 |
| Goals (direct free-kicks) | 0 | 3 |
