Tactical analysis: Khusanov's pace vital for high line
admin_news
Abdukodir Khusanov's standout quality is his pace, which is invaluable in the modern game.
City's assistant coach Pep Lijnders has helped employ some of the sport's most aggressive out-of-possession tactics throughout his career. His influence has bled into City's system this season, with the Blues looking to catch opponents offside.
This high-risk approach is made less risky when playing Khusanov. His pace helps him step up to catch opponents offside, or defend running towards his own goal when teams play direct through balls.
He is averaging 17.85 sprints per 90 minutes, the most of any central defender in the league; more than being quick, he is using that pace often and to good effect.
The best teams boast technical quality that improves their ability to build out from the back and defending teams now have the problem of whether they leave an extra defender back for defensive solidity or not - as doing so means they press with one fewer players.
Khusanov's pace and reading of the game enables him to make up ground when City press with one fewer player higher up. This prevents opponents from finding a way out of City's press.
As much as speed is key to his game, Guardiola has made sure to point out that Khusanov is more than just brawn.
Quick defenders often encourage opponents to run at them, knowing they can beat them for pace - but Khusanov's intelligence shines when it comes to deciding when to engage in duels versus when to back off.
His aggressive nature is the source of debate, but it allows him to be an impressive high-line defender, preventing attackers from holding the ball up. Khusanov cleverly backs off, however, if there is another player making a run into a more dangerous area - providing much-needed cover.
