- Guardiola reacts to City’s young defensive duo
- Strong praise issued after recent performances
- Manager hints at exciting long-term future
Pep Guardiola has praised the growing partnership between Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov, while suggesting the duo could play a major role in Manchester City’s future.
Man City have only conceded two goals in their last five games. However, people weren’t expecting these stats after the Sky Blues’ main defensive duo was injured.
Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol were the indubitable pair to start as Pep Guardiola’s centre-back pair. Unfortunately, Dias suffered a hamstring injury in March, and Gvardiol was ruled out in January with a broken tibia.
Dias’ timeline isn’t confirmed, but Gvardiol might return next month. However, both Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov have stepped up to fill in their places.
The newest duo’s performances have been crucial in City’s recent performances. Likewise, Guardiola mentioned their importance in the pre-match press conference before the Burnley clash.
Pep Guardiola praises Marc Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov
The Catalan manager wasn’t hoping for a better future when he talked about an optimistic one in the past.
Guardiola said that it was players like Guehi and Khusanov who gave the gaffer confidence for what is to come.
“Extraordinary… In the last games Marc and Khusa; when I said the future will be bright it’s because I see young, young players grow up a lot this season,” Guardiola told the press.
He added: “They will be here for many, many years, that is really good for us.”
City duo’s defensive contributions
Uzbek international Khusanov has been a standout. The 22-year-old has become a fan favourite after his contant last man interceptions.
Khusanov has averaged 2.2 interceptions per 90, the highest of any Man City player. The centre-back ranks second in the Premier League for interceptions per 90, only behind Lewis Cook of Bournemouth.
Guehi on the other hand has been active with blocks and clearences. With 0.7 blocks per 90, he ranks first among all the City players in that aspect of the game.
Man City’s centre-back competition is heating up
This is good news for Manchester City collectively, although the recent performances of Abdukodir Khusanov have certainly increased competition in defence.
Ruben Dias still brings leadership and experience to Guardiola’s backline, while Josko Gvardiol remains one of the club’s most important defenders due to his versatility and quality on the ball.
Khusanov’s emergence does, however, give Guardiola another strong option at centre-back and increases competition for places after Dias and Gvardiol return.
