The road to the Premier League title is getting tougher every week. Arsenal are six points ahead, while Manchester City, who are chasing them, will play their next match at home in the 26th round. Pep Guardiola's team, who defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in the previous round, will play Fulham in front of their home fans this time.
The most discussed issue before the match was the condition of Abdukadir Khusanov, who received a head injury in the match against Liverpool. The 21-year-old central defender was forced to leave the field early after a collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma at the beginning of the second half.
Guardiola reassured the fans: Khusanov is ready to play against Fulham.
The City coach emphasized that Abdukadir's recovery went well. It is no secret that Khusanov's return was a great boost for City, especially in the absence of experienced central defenders Ruben Dias and Yosko Guardiola. The fact that he was named the best player in his team at the end of January is a clear proof of this.
- Khusanov is in a good shape and can play, - said the Manchester City head coach.
Guardiola was also asked another interesting question: how much Khusanov's English is improving. Pep, as usual, added humor:
- I admit, Abdukadir still doesn't speak English like William Shakespeare. But his mastery of the language is getting better and better. He completely understands what we want, what we say. This situation is changing for the better every time.
The most important thing is that Guardiola did not speak about Khusanov only from the point of view of physical strength. He emphasized that the defender is an intelligent, deep-thinking player.
According to Pep, many consider Khusanov to be “strong and fast”, but his ability to read the game, anticipate the situation, and always choose the right position is one of his greatest advantages.
- Khusanov is a very smart guy. Usually, people consider him to be a very strong and very fast player from a physical point of view, and do not pay attention to his ability to think deeply. In fact, it is quite the opposite. His strong mind is shown by the fact that he always chooses the right position.
His speed is also not “speed for the sake of speed” - he is valuable in that he quickly regains his position, saving the team in dangerous situations.
- Abdukadir is really very, very fast. Recovering his position is one of his most important qualities. But it doesn't stop there, don't be mistaken in assessing Khusanov, he's a smart player. Usually, a player with such physical strength doesn't feel what's happening around him, everything depends only on his physical condition. Khusanov has both - strength and intelligence.
It was also said that his play with the ball is improving significantly. The City coaching staff is encouraging him to develop further, and this process will continue. Guardiola even expressed the following opinion with great confidence: Khusanov is still very young, open-minded, and he can become a player who will play in central defense for City for many years.
- That's why he's also improving in his play with the ball. We're encouraging him to develop further. And he'll grow even more. At this age, he's open-minded. As I said recently, City now has a player who has played in central defense for many, many years, - said Josep Guardiola.
The Manchester City-Fulham match will kick off at 00:30 Tashkent time on the night of February 11-12. The fans are waiting for one thing: if Khusanov takes the field, the half-finished "battle" at Anfield will continue tonight.
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