Max Alleyne left excited by ‘really good bond’ built with one Manchester City star | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Max Alleyne has struck up a hugely exciting partnership with fellow defender Abdukodir Khusanov since returning to the club this month.

The young centre-back’s sudden reintegration into Pep Guardiola’s first-team has now seen the player become a trusted defensive option in high-stakes fixtures having seen his season-long loan at Championship side Watford cut-short amid a growing injury list.

Alleyne’s return began in dramatic fashion with a debut against Brighton, just a day after his first training session following his loan recall. Despite the limited preparation, the centre-back delivered a composed display in a 1-1 draw that immediately suggested he was ready for the demands of Pep Guardiola’s system and the intensity of top-level football.

That momentum carried into the FA Cup, where Alleyne not only featured in the emphatic 10-1 victory over Exeter but also marked the occasion with his first senior goal for Manchester City.

The Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg at St James’ Park provided his next major test as City’s 0-2 win over Newcastle saw Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki find the net, but just as impressive was the defensive structure that limited the hosts despite moments of pressure.

Speaking to ManCity.com after the win in the North-East, Max Alleyne reflected on his first three appearances for Pep Guardiola’s first-team, highlighting a new partnership in the heart of the team’s defence.

“My first one [clean sheet] since being back [at Manchester City], so really proud of the team,” the 20-year-old said at the full-time whistle in the North-East.

“Really developed a bond with Khusa [Abdukodir Khusanov], so it’s been really good playing with him, and looking forward to more!”

The former Watford loanee continued, “I wasn’t fully expecting to start today [against Newcastle], so really enjoyed that but the last week or so has been crazy. But I wouldn’t change it for anything, and enjoyed it, loved every second!”

Max Alleyne’s comments reinforce the growing narrative around Abdukodir Khusanov’s importance to Manchester City’s defensive structure – something Pep Guardiola has previously underlined when describing the Uzbek international as a player wanted by Europe’s top clubs.

Looking ahead, the partnership between Alleyne and Khusanov could become an increasingly valuable asset as City navigate a congested fixture list across multiple competitions, and they continue to manage the injuries of Josko Gvardiol, Ruben Dias, and John Stones.

If Max Alleyne maintains his current trajectory, his bond with Khusanov could accelerate his transition from academy graduate and loanee into a genuine first-team contender, despite an expectation for further recruitment in his position and the developing profile of Vitor Reis in the Spanish top-flight at present.