Manchester City are assessing their options at right-back after Kyle Walker's departure but there is one player who is yet to get a run in that position.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov
Vitor Reis and Abukodir Khusanov both joined Manchester City in January
As Hugo Viana scours the market for a new right-back for Manchester City, one key question will be what traits Pep Guardiola wants in the ideal candidate.
The Blues were interested in Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento earlier in the window, but that deal now looks difficult to pull off. Newcastle's financial position eased as a result of their Champions League qualification.
That has sent City back to the drawing board, and the market for right-backs this summer looks a quiet one. There isn't a standout candidate to replace Kyle Walker, who has held down the position since he signed from Tottenham for £50million in the summer of 2017.
City are unlikely to make a move unless the right player becomes available, which is why there is a distinct possibility they will use their squad to find an internal solution. Guardiola's squad is already too big, so signing a right-back just for the sake of it isn't an approach that is going to get much support internally.
Of those internal solutions, Matheus Nunes has been the player used there most often since Walker's drop-off in form began early last season. The converted midfielder has been reasonably solid in the role but there are mistakes in his game, and that is unlikely to change.
The other obvious candidate is Rico Lewis, who has played 40 of his 94 games for City at right-back. He had a difficult season last term and his red card against Wydad AC ruined any chance of building momentum in the Club World Cup, but he could improve again if the team around him is more stable this season.
After that, the other potential options there are central defenders by trade, but then Guardiola has been happy in recent seasons to play natural centre-backs at full-back. He might be happy to do that on the right when Rayan Ait-Nouri is now providing more attacking width on the left.
John Stones and Manuel Akanji have both had spells playing at right-back, but one option is 21-year-old Abdukodir Khusanov. The £33.8million January signing has made 10 appearances for the Blues so far and has spent most of his time at centre-back, but when the deal was confirmed, Guardiola spoke of his ability to play on the right.
“People say he’s potential player for next years because all the players we don’t just sign for one year. They have big years to come," he said.
“So we decide to do it. He has specific qualities that we don’t have. I’m pretty sure he’s going to help us.
"He’s young and will learn like Vitor but better to do it in summer time with pre-season. He is a player that is potentially important for us.
"He can play centre back in the middle or on the right, right back and in a three at the back. Different positions.”
One of Khusanov's greatest strengths is his speed and that makes him a potentially appealing option to replace Walker, whose recovery pace was such a big asset for City in the last eight years.
Guardiola did say in January that Khusanov's pace wouldn't "solve our problems" but added, "It can help us." The Uzbek remains a player of raw potential, as City have seen in the last six months, but he could well be worthy of a try in a position that Guardiola is finding difficult to fill.
Here at the Manchester Evening News, we’re dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clickinghere to subscribe.
You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Clickhere to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.
And finally, if you’d rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, includingSpotify andApple Podcasts, and you can also watch along onYouTube.