It is expected that the new season of the English Premier League will be even more exciting, and the competition for the championship will reach its peak. English analysts name the reigning champion “Liverpool” and “Manchester City,” who aim to reclaim the throne, as the main contenders for the new championship.
The manchestercity.news portal, which covers the activities of “Manchester City,” published an interesting analysis for fans. It notes that in order to stop the skilled striker expected to join “Liverpool,” Guardiola will rely specifically on the help of the Uzbek footballer.
— If “Liverpool” accomplishes its goal and acquires “Newcastle” striker Alexander Isak, in the opinion of specialists, Arne Slot’s team will again become the main contender for the Premier League title in the new season.
“Liverpool” has sent offers to “Newcastle” for the transfer of the Swedish striker, who scored 23 goals in the last championship. If Isak goes to Anfield, “Manchester City” will definitely be worried about it.
Despite having the world’s best striker — Erling Haaland — at Guardiola’s disposal, last season Arne Slot’s team easily took the championship away from the “Citizens” and, by strengthening the squad in the summer with Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, has become the main favorite for the new season.
Guardiola relies on the pair of central defenders — Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol — to repel opponents’ attacks. If Alexander Isak appears in “Liverpool,” the responsibility of stopping the 25-year-old striker will likely fall on these defenders.
However, among the “Manchester City” players, the one who is looking forward to a new duel with Alexander Isak is Abdukodir Khusanov. The Uzbek defender, whom Guardiola described as “a special player,” last season completely stopped Newcastle’s leading striker and contributed to his team’s 4:0 victory.
Regardless of the outcome of the match, Eddie Howe’s team tried to create many dangerous chances at the “Citizens”’ goal and organize quick counterattacks.
The truth is, in that encounter, Khusanov completely shut down the opponent’s striker Isak. Khusanov won the duel, was victorious in aerial battles, “cleanly” guarded the opponent in the penalty area, did not let him or his shot get through.
It appears that Guardiola assigned the Uzbek defender to personally mark Isak. This tactic worked. Because the young defender did not lag behind the fast Isak in sprints, nor did he lose in one-on-ones. Isak, on the other hand, is considered one of the fastest and most tactically intelligent players in the league. Even the situations where the Swedish striker pressed the 21-year-old Khusanov did not produce results. Calmly playing Abdukodir easily got out from under the opponent’s pressure and successfully delivered accurate passes to his teammates.
Alexander Isak, who played against Abdukodir Khusanov in that clash, could not take a single shot, did not beat the defender at all, did not make a pass that could put his teammates in a favorable position, and lost the ball nine times.
“Manchester City” has always been an inconvenient opponent for Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker has played against the “Citizens” six times, and his team has won only once. Isak himself has managed to score two goals against Guardiola’s team.
If Alexander Isak moves to a strong team like “Liverpool,” he will become an even more dangerous opponent for “Manchester City.” Therefore, a new duel awaits Abdukodir Khusanov against one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, writes manchestercity.news analyst Srinivas Sadhanand. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
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