All of a sudden a new Manchester City defender looks to be right at home | OneFootball

To say Abdukodir Khusanov had a tough start to life at Manchester City would be an understatement. The young centre-back was thrust into the City starting lineup well before he was ready for his debut during Manchester City’s recent 3-1 win over Chelsea. Khusanov made one major error to begin that game, but since then, he has grown as a player for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Now it seems that Abdukodir Khusanov is right at home at the world champions. His performance during Manchester City’s 4-nil win over Newcastle was superb as he showed that he could become a key part of City’s defence for the remainder of this season and beyond. His performance against Newcastle followed on from his promising second-half display against Leyton Orient last weekend.

Khusanov started Saturday’s match alongside John Stones in the heart of City’s defence. Early on it did appear that Eddie Howe’s side was targeting the young centre-back. But Khusanov stood up to that challenge and grew into the game. He was good in possession and strong in a challenge. The biggest compliment you can give Khusanov in possession is that he is keeping it simple. That helps the build-up play Manchester City are trying to implement. The fact that Khusanov plays it safe on possession does help City progress up the pitch with the ball.

Defensively Khusanov was solid. He was rarely beaten, and when he was, he was quick to recover. His pace is a key part of his game. It was on full display in the first half as he lost the ball which set Anthony Gordon loose for Newcastle. But Khusanov had the pace to recover and help win the ball back for Manchester City. That one passage of play did show exactly what Khusanov adds to Pep Guardiola’s side. His pace and strength in a challenge is something City’s defence needs. That now have it through Khusanov’s play.

Pep Guardiola spoke of this attribute when he spoke about Abdukodir Khusanov’s performance. He added that his pace complements City’s defence. Guardiola also added that Khusanov does have to learn not to be so aggressive in duels. But that will come. Guardiola told the media: “The pace from Khusanov when they make transitions, that’s why we bought him. He’s so fast. He’s too aggressive in duels, and when you don’t win the ball, it’s a transition, but it’s a question of time, and he will learn.”

Abdukodir Khusanov appears to have settled into life at Manchester City based on his performance against Newcastle on Saturday. That’s another positive to take from the game for Pep Guardiola’s side and they look to have found the defender they so desperately needed in Khusanov.