Ilkay Gundogan has explained how he subconsciously adapted his game to help Manchester City cope with the loss of Kevin de Bruyne.
The Belgian international made his return to Premier League action after several weeks out injured against Arsenal on Sunday.
Without De Bruyne, Gundogan filled his shoes by playing in a more attacking role, which saw him score six goals in the six matches that his teammate was absent for.
"I think it's just something that comes automatically, especially when you are missing these kinds of players who are obviously game-changers," Gundogan said when asked about his role change without De Bruyne.
"Then maybe other players need to step up and need to be there and need to take responsibility.
"It's not really something that I was planning to do because everyone is always involved in our game. It's not really up to one or two players."
The 30-year-old German midfielder has been a mainstay in the City midfield this term following the exit of David Silva, who left the Etihad Stadium after 10 years of service.
Gundogan himself is approaching five full seasons at the club and although he admitted that a move to Major League Soccer is "something that was and is in my mind", he stressed how happy he remains in his "second home".
"It's a fact that I feel kind of responsible because I'm here almost five years in this country and city and I think I can call it my second home. I'm really enjoying my time here," Gundogan said.
"I got to love Manchester, all the different spots that I saw over the last years, all the people that I met so of course there is a connection between me and the city and the people living in the city.
"Seeing all these businesses struggling at the moment also has an effect on me. I was thinking of a way of giving back."
