Pep Guardiola handed clear boost as Man City difference maker emerges

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• Abdukodir Khusanov

Manchester City exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid on Tuesday night but Abdukodir Khusanov delivered an excellent showing

On a night of Etihad chaos Abdukodir Khusanov was calmness personified.

In the white hot heat of battle against a side who raise themselves like no other in the Champions League, against a player among the best in the world, against a side with a commanding match advantage and a man advantage, he stood strong.

The 22-year-old delivered an exceptional showing, largely shackling Vinicius Jr despite the Brazilian ending the night with two goals as Real Madrid won 2-1 to complete a 5-1 aggregate success and end City's Champions League campaign for another year.

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Despite the defeat, there was plenty to like about City's performance in defeat. The Blues started the game well and were on top until the contest turned on Bernardo Silva's red card and Vinicius converting from the resultant penalty.

City showed enough to suggest they are capable of challenging for silverware at the highest level and Khusanov showed he belonged on the highest stage.

Slotting in at centre back, having been utilised on the right in the first leg, he produced an exceptional and error-free performance. His pace is a huge asset, his positional sense was superb and his decision making spot on.

In the early stages when Real countered with intent, it was Khusanov who stopped them in their tracks. He earned a rapturous reception from an impressed Etihad crowd and it set the tone for a coming of age performance from the youngster.

If this City side are to grow and improve together, then Khusanov can be a part of it for years to come.

City's European campaign might be over for another season, but Khusanov's journey is only just beginning.