Bournemouthvs.Man City

The 21-year-old was signed by the Citizens for a reported £33.5m from Lens and less than a week later was surprisingly thrown into the starting lineup for his full Premier League debut against Chelsea on January 25.

Khusanov endured a difficult debut at the Etihad Stadium, gifting Chelsea the lead within the first three minutes before being booked for a late challenge just a minute later, but since that baptism of fire, the defender has settled well into Guardiola's team.

The Uzbekistan international, who earned his 20th cap in an AFC World Cup qualifying draw with Iran on Tuesday, has progressively become a fans' favourite at Man City, endearing himself to the Etihad faithful with his superb burst of speed and strength in the tackle.

Khusanov, who was named Etihad Player of the Month for February after receiving a record number of votes from City supporters, has played seven times across the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, establishing himself as a regular under Guardiola.

The defender is in contention to start again for Man City in Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final tie at Bournemouth, and ahead of that contest, Guardiola has heaped praise on the new recruit.

Guardiola talks up "special" Khusanov ahead of Bournemouth clash

Asked about how Khusanov has settled into life in Manchester at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola said: "He was not expected to play this many games but the situation in the back four all season means he plays a lot of games.

"He has a special quality. Really special. He's so fast and he brings his passion. His face doesn't always show but he shows it in many actions. We are delighted in the short time with training, with many things."

Guardiola has also highlighted the transition to life in Manchester of fellow January signing Vitor Reis, adding: "Vitor is the same. The games we played in the FA Cup in previous rounds were so good.

"In the middle of the season it is not easy to settle in a new country and new league. They are so good and so positive in their mindset and body shape."

Reis most recently played for Man City's senior team in a 3-1 comeback victory over Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fifth round at the beginning of this month, before representing the club's Elite Development Squad in a Premier League 2 defeat to Crystal Palace during the international break.

Guardiola has provided an update on the fitness of his first-team squad ahead of their trip to the Vitality Stadium where they lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in the Premier League back in November.

Written by

Oliver Thomas