It is now time for a young Manchester City centre-back to be unleashed | OneFootball

With Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol, and John Stones, all now injured Manchester City is now short of centre-backs. Only Nathan Ake and Abdukodir Khusanov remain fit for Pep Guardiola to play in the heart of Manchester City’s defence. In the case of Abdukodir Khusanov, he remains one of the most exciting defensive prospects City have. It is now time for him to be unleashed when his team needs him the most.

Manchester City will have to ride the wave with Abdukodir Khusanov.

Abdukodir Khusanov put in a impressive performance off the bench last night against Chelsea. He replaced Josko Gvardiol after 51 minutes when the Croatian international went down injured and couldn’t continue. Khusanov handled the pace and power of Chelsea striker Liam Delap well and he did put himself into a challenge as he typically does. Khusanov’s efforts would have played an important role in a Manchester City win if Enzo Fernandez didn’t make it 1-all in the 94th minute last night at the Etihad.

So far this season Abdukodir Khusanov has only made ten appearances for Manchester City this season, with six of those coming in the Premier League. Injury did hold Khusanov back after Manchester City’s 1-all draw with Arsenal in September. Khusanov is a raw talent who does at times dive into challenges in a reckless manner. He isn’t Josko Gvardiol in possession by any stretch, but this side of his game is improving as we saw in flashes last night against Chelsea. Now with Manchester City’s centre-back options stretched it is time for Pep Guardiola to unleash Khusanov and ride the wave of what comes by playing the speedy young centre-back.

Final thoughts.

The loss of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol is a huge blow for Manchester City. But their injuries may now provide Abdukodir Khusanov with an opportunity to have an extended run as a starter. With his power, pace, passion and ability in a challenge Khusanov has always appeared to be a centre-back who could thrive in the City system. It is now time that he is unleashed so he can help his team in their hour of need and to see him grow as a player with more responsibility on his shoulders.