When Erling Haaland went through an eerie dry spell towards the end of the season, and had the audacity to fail to score in a handful of games, Man City required another attacking option.
Their answer to their mystical striking force momentarily faltering was a silky central midfielder. Over a crucial four-game stretch, llkay Gundogan bagged four and added two assists, including a brace to see off Everton in what was regarded as a potential point of failure as they held off Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
His first against the Toffees was a finish Haaland would be envious of, a deft touch on his right thigh, with a half pivot and quick flick into the bottom corner — all without looking at the goal.
He was at it again in the FA Cup final, scoring both of City's goals against a dogged Manchester United side, playing a central role as his side lifted their second of three trophies in a historic season.
That run captured one element of Gundogan's game: the sneakily impactful goalscorer. But there are other versions, too. There is Gundogan the creator, Gundogan the composed distributor, and Gundogan the dribbler.
Pep Guardiola has fashioned a near-perfect attacking midfielder out of an injury-prone player whose career was slowly fading due to a series of fitness issues. But his time at the Etihad Stadium appears to be coming to an end, and Barcelona have all-but sealed his signature on a two-year contract.
Although they now have him, Gundogan is not the player the Blaugrana needed. At Man City, he's a cult hero and perennial Premier League champion. For Barcelona, he is an imperfect fit, and not the type of player the Blaugrana require to defend their La Liga crown.