The Manchester derby, part of the fourth round of the English Premier League, remains a focus not only on scores but also on game analysis. Various publications commented on the clash at Etihad, which ended in a resounding 3-0 victory for City. The prestigious The Athletic dedicated its analysis to Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov.
The publication notes that United captain Bruno Fernandes put the main pressure on City's right wing during the match. The experienced Portuguese playmaker clearly knew that the opponent's most vulnerable spot was right-wing defense. This was not without reason. Because in recent debates, this position has been problematic. In the 0-2 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, Rico Lewis played very weakly in this position. In the 1-2 draw against Brighton, right-back Mateusz Nunes made a mistake, resulting in a penalty.
After Kyle Walker's departure, this position became Pep Guardiola's biggest concern. None of the players are playing reliably in this position. However, in the derby, this task was entrusted to Abdukodir Khusanov. Despite being originally a central defender, he played with determination and confidence on the right wing.
In one episode, the Uzbek footballer committed a foul against opponent Patrick Dorgu, which was recorded as an open foul. While Dorgu directed the ball to himself, the Uzbek footballer flew at least 20 meters, hitting his opponent in the shoulder. Guardiola also had no choice but to shake his head. But this was the only mistake Khusanov made throughout the entire game.
Why is this particular episode attracting attention? The fact is that the Uzbek defender, who was originally a central defender and this time played on the right wing, does not spend his time on subtle movements. His rule in football is this: I saw the ball, I attacked the ball, and I got the ball!
True, Abdukodir can play roughly, but his determination and dedication to work will become a very reliable and stable element in a zone where the team lacks decisive action.
In the derby, he successfully completed 12 defensive moves, making several tackles on time, and headed away the ball seven times. These figures show how effectively he played.
Khusanov became a powerful figure in the derby. Interestingly, when former Manchester United player Roy Keane criticized the lack of intensity in local players, Khusanov demonstrated the game Roy Keane expected, playing with the attitude of "if you see the Reds in front of you, knock them all down."
In fact, the "city" fans have grown fond of the player, who has only played his 13th match since coming from "Lance" in January, precisely for such sharp and intense movements.
Lack of speed has become a problem in attacks against Manchester City and the use of high-line defense, and in such a situation, the fast Khusanov is becoming Guardiola's main weapon.
Why didn't Manchester City acquire a new player for their problem area - the right-wing defense - this summer?
The club is studying the market. Guardiola has clear requirements for the performer who plays in every position. The incoming player must be top-class. The scouts proposed several candidates. The main target was Tino Livramento of Newcastle. The club attempted a transfer, but received a rejection.
The coaching staff is trying to adapt other players to right-wing defense. At the beginning of the year, they tried to make a winger out of Mateusz Nunes. Then this position was taken by Rico Lewis. But neither of them justified the trust.
Therefore, the right wing was assigned to Khusanov in the derby. Straight line defense is Abdukadir's strong side. He has high speed, he acts smartly in the fight for the ball. In the modern EPL, Khusanov's characteristics are ideal for a team that plays an attacking game.
Furthermore, Guardiola is instilling new and important qualities in Khusanov, such as better opening up and joining the attack during matches. True, Khusanov doesn't play on the wing and go to the center of the field like Rico Lewis, or move into regular attacks from the wings at the level of Mateusz Nunes, but he provides the most important thing in the back line today - reliable defense.
Khusanov plays well in the defensive center. He firmly defended his position until he was injured in the match against Brighton. However, after he was substituted, City's defense significantly weakened. Now, Yoshko Gvardiol's return allowed Khusanov to shift to the right in the derby.
Despite being only 21 years old, Abdukodir made a great impression with his performance in the derby. His journey to England is also interesting: from Bunyodkor's youth team to Belarus's Energetik-BGU, from there to France's Lens, and currently playing for City.
Having won Khusanov in competition with Real Madrid and Newcastle, Manchester City initially planned to transfer him for the future and gradually add him to the squad. Due to the circumstances, the young defender faced significant challenges upon arriving in England.
Relying on his physical strength, Khusanov has the ability to change the situation in his favor in seventy percent of defeat situations. This characteristic is crucial for Manchester City, which is trying to build a strong defensive foundation.
According to The Athletic analyst Jordan Campbell, Khusanov is becoming the most reliable option in a position that is currently problematic for City. His physical strength, speed, and determination on the field greatly help the team in dangerous situations.
Thus, Abdukodir Khusanov has become not only a favorite of City fans but also a ready-made solution to Pep Guardiola's problem.
