One of the most renowned sources that regularly covers Manchester City — the website cityxtra.co.uk — published the words of team leader Josko Gvardiol about his young teammates Abduqodir Husanov and Vitor Reis.
Josko Gvardiol highly appreciated the talent of Manchester City's young central defenders Abduqodir Husanov and Vitor Reis, who significantly strengthened the defensive line built by Josep Guardiola.
These two players were urgently brought to the team at the peak of the 2024–2025 season — when numerous injuries had destroyed Manchester City's defense and put Gvardiola in a very difficult coaching position.
Gvardiol himself, who was signed from Leipzig in 2023, became Manchester City's best player in the past season. However, Manchester City could not repeat their four-year winning streak in the English Premier League and finished only third with 71 points.
The Citizens ended their Champions League campaign in the Round of 16. In the FA Cup final, they lost to Crystal Palace and remained trophyless.
Nevertheless, to compete with domestic and European rivals, the club spent 300 million pounds since January, adding eight new players to the squad. This strategy was aimed at fighting for the top prize in every competition in the upcoming season.
In the 2024–2025 season, Gvardiol was mainly used as a left-back, but in the second half of the championship, he was also assigned to the center-back position alongside Ruben Dias. Thus, the competition in this position has become much more intense.
Husanov and Reis will remain in Gvardiola's plans for the next season. It was noted that these 21- and 19-year-old young central defenders are gradually bringing new spirit and fresh air to Manchester City's aging defensive line.
Now, even 23-year-old Gvardiol, who joined the club two years ago, feels like a veteran in the squad.
"I feel like an old man. I am 23 years old, but I am very glad to see such young players like Husanov and Reis in our team. Looking at them, I feel much older.
Just as senior players helped me, I am ready to help them. I am happy to have them with us.
Both perform their tasks excellently; although they are still young, I am sure that Husanov and Reis have a bright future," said Josko Gvardiol.
Just as senior players helped me, I am ready to help them. I am happy to have them with us.
Both perform their tasks excellently; although they are still young, I am sure that Husanov and Reis have a bright future," said Josko Gvardiol.
As Manchester City prepares to start the new season in August, it is expected that one of the central defenders will leave the team. Especially as John Stones, who is getting older, is nearing the end of his current contract, writes cityxtra.co.uk analyst Vayam Lahoti.
Let us remind you, Manchester City will play their first match of the new season away to Wolverhampton on August 16. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
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