Has the solution at right-back for Manchester City been found? | OneFootball

It is no secret that Manchester City will need to sign a quality right-back in time. Rico Lewis is a midfielder playing at right-back. Lewis also lacks the physical attributes to keep up with some of the Premier League and Europe’s tricky and quick wingers. Matheus Nunes has those physical attributes and can play the right-back role for Pep Guardiola’s side. But his penchant for making untimely errors can and does hurt his team at inopportune times.

Neither player started at right-back in Manchester City’s 3-nil win over Manchester United at the Etihad yesterday. Abdukodir Khusanov stepped in at right-back for Pep Guardiola’s. Come the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium yesterday, there was a sense that Manchester City’s first-choice right-back may have been found.

Abdukodir Khusanov slotted in seamlessly at right-back for Manchester City yesterday.

Abdukodir Khusanov lined up at right-back in Manchester City’s defence yesterday alongside Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol at centre-back, with Nico O’Reilly slotting in at left-back. There was a youthful look to City’s defence with Khusanov and O’Reilly playing in the full-back positions. Both players did their jobs well and played essential roles in City’s win. The performance of Khusanov was extremely impressive across the full 90 minutes.

With his pace, Khusanov locked down Manchester City’s right-hand side. Manchester United full-back Patrick Dorgu had his moments going forward. But Khusanov was more than up to dealing with the threat posed by Dorgu. As usual, Abdukodir Khusanov was strong in a challenge, and he also timed his challenges well during yesterday’s Manchester derby. But what was also impressive was that Khusanov avoided making any rash challenges. He put in a composed display rather than diving in recklessly. Ruben Dias was seen on several occasions offering guidance to Khusanov. That was also a pleasing sign.

With his pace and strength, Khusanov was more than serviceable at right-back. He won his share of aerial and ground duels throughout yesterday’s match. His work in possession does need work, but that will come. Khusanov avoided taking any risks in possession yesterday. But that is precisely what he needed to. That side of Khusanov’s game should grow in time. Come the final whistle, there is a strong case to make that perhaps Khusanov should be Manchester City’s first-choice right-back.

Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the performance of Abdukodir Khusanov.

Speaking after Manchester City’s win over Manchester United, Pep Guardiola was full of praise for the performance put in by Abdukodir Khusanov. He told the media that Khusanov handled the threat of Patrick Dorgu well throughout yesterday’s match. He added that Khusanov will not be playing every game this season as that’s impossible for any player. Speaking on Khusanov’s performance, Guardiola said: “We have in the next 11 months to play every three days. No human being can do that. I know for his physicality, he’s so fast and closed that side really well.”

“[He didn’t] lose too many balls – sometimes his energy makes him make not the right decision.”

“Dorgu is so fast and he has incredible speed. Today [Abdukodir] was really good.”

Summary.

Abdukodir Khusanov put in a quality performance for Manchester City in their comfortable 3-nil win over Manchester United at the Etihad. He put forward his case to be City’s first-choice right-back. What Pep Guardiola’s side needs for a particular match may dictate who starts in the right-back position. If City need a player to invert into midfield, Rico Lewis will get the nod. If they need overlapping runs from the right-back position, Matheus Nunes will likely start. But when Manchester City take on the big teams, on the big occasions, Abdukodur Khusanov may well be Pep Guardiola’s first-choice to fill the right-back position. His performance yesterday against Manchester United was one of a player who should be City’s first-choice right-back.