Abdukodir Khusanov has become one of the most-used outfield players in Enzo Maresca's Manchester City side three months into the manager's tenure, yet his most effective role is becoming increasingly clear. While Gianluigi Donnarumma has played more minutes than anyone else, the five outfield players with the most game time point to a clear pattern.
Ruben Dias leads the way, followed by vice-captain Erling Haaland, both with well-defined roles in the team. Elliot Anderson has been essential in midfield, and Marc Guehi remains high on the list despite some early substitutions recently. Khusanov, who has recently moved ahead of Josko Gvardiol, completes the top five.
Versatility Across the Backline
The 22-year-old Uzbek defender has been turned to repeatedly by Maresca across the backline, even though his place in the starting lineup does not feel guaranteed. That versatility was a factor in the club deciding not to sign a right-back in the summer, as they believed Khusanov could deputise for Matheus Nunes.
Given how Maresca likes to build up with three centre-backs, Khusanov could hold even greater value at right-back. However, the opening months of the season have shown that his best performances come in the middle of the defence.
Struggles in Advanced Areas
On several occasions this season, Khusanov has looked uncomfortable going forward from right-back and being trusted with the ball in the opposition third. Against Forest on Saturday, he appeared far more at ease when moved inside.
While Maresca initially seemed to have a golden touch with substitutions, recent changes have looked more like belated corrections to the lineup. There have been 11 changes at half-time alone, and even if some were enforced by injury, it has not helped City feel more solid in defence with new partnerships being thrown together.
Case for a Central Role
Guehi and Dias have been the preferred pairing in the middle so far, but in their last four starts together, one of them has been taken off at half-time in three of those matches. At this point, Khusanov is looking like a more reliable option going forward.
He may still be needed at right-back if Nunes cannot stay clear of injury, but the opening months of the season have made it clear where Khusanov offers most to the team. Providing he can shake off the knock he picked up at Forest, the youngster deserves his opportunities to come in the middle, and that should benefit City the most.
