For Manchester City, the upcoming 2025/2026 season is one where they should be looking to silence their doubters.
Pep Guardiola himself will be hoping to dethrone Arne Slot as a reigning Premier League champion and remind the world why he remains English football’s finest tactician.
Bernardo Silva rubbished Manchester City’s ageing squad being problematic and after turning 31 on Sunday, he will be determined to show that he and his teammates who are 30 and older remain top-class players.
Bernardo’s teammate Phil Foden wants to “prove people wrong” after he was widely criticised for his fall from grace last season.
Abdukodir Khusanov should be fired up to prove Gary Neville wrong for questioning Man City displays
However, another Manchester City player who may have a chip on his shoulder heading into the upcoming campaign is Abdukodir Khusanov.
Gary Neville placed his doubts over Khusanov by claiming that he has struggled to impress in a City shirt, claiming in June: “I’m not surprised [Pep Guardiola would like a small squad] , it was understandable. But I think what he’s probably saying is, they signed the boy in midfield. Nico Gonzalez, yeah. Nico Gonzalez, and then they signed Khusanov. Now, Pep has had a habit of players struggling to take to them in the first few months, and then all of a sudden they sort of build in the second season, they can get better.”
Son Heung-min and Abdukodir Khusanov in action during Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester City
Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
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“So that might happen with Nico Gonzalez and Khusanov, but there’s a part of me looking at those two players thinking, bloody hell, they’re way off it.”
Khusanov has largely impressed at Manchester City, being trusted to play against top clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur and emerging as one of the Sky Blues’ best performers.
Even during City’s latest 3-0 triumph against Palermo, the Uzbek international stood out, as he shut out dangerous counter-attacks with ease, won his aerial duels inside the box, passed the ball with aplomb and even defended out wide expertly.
ABDUKODIR KHUSANOV STATS VS PALERMO
DRIBBLED PAST 0
CLEARANCES 4
INTERCEPTIONS 1
ACCURATE PASSES 42/44 (94%)
Khusanov, who Manchester City signed for £33.6 million is still only 21 and yet, he looks like could become the leader of their backline one day — helped by his blistering pace, intelligent positioning and orthodox approach to put his body on the line for the team.
Manchester City’s defence has been questioned ahead of next season as they leaked far too many goals in several games during the previous campaign — a flaw that could impact their pursuit for the league title.
If Khusanov can step up to the plate for City and take their defence to the next level while potentially helping them win the league, Gary Neville could rue his bold claim about the wonderkid.
The former RC Lens centre-back’s attributes certainly align with the modern-day centre-back as he is a smart defender, an excellent athlete and comfortable in possession.
Pep Guardiola shares exciting Abdukodir Khusanov verdict after Palermo vs Man City
Considering Pep Guardiola raved about Khusanov after Manchester City’s victory against Palermo, Gary Neville would have every reason to be concerned that his claim could age poorly.
Guardiola said via Manchester City’s official website: “Today, Khusanov showed up his potential.”
The Catalan tactician added: “He’s one of the most incredibly fast players I’ve ever seen.”