Sergio Aguero lauds Nico O’Reilly and Abdukodir Khusanov for standout Manchester City seasons

Nico O’Reilly and Abdukodir Khusanov have formed the backbone of a Manchester City lineup that hasn’t seen many shuffling in the last month-and-a-half, with Guardiola cognisant that he needs to field the players he knows he can rely upon as there is no margin for error in a delicately poised title race run-in.

Aguero: O’Reilly will win the PFA Young Player of the Year

In an interview with Stake prior to Manchester City’s vital 2-1 Premier League win over Arsenal in April, club legend Sergio Aguero extolled the virtues of O’Reilly, who is enjoying a stupendous personal campaign and is on course to start for England at the upcoming FIFA World Cup across the Atlantic.

“It’s very strange how they choose the best young player, but yes, today (Nico O’Reilly) has a very good chance (to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award),” said Aguero.

“I don’t know the full list of nominees but if City win this weekend against Arsenal (they did) and then the next game (against Burnley, which they also won 1-0), he’ll take it because the decision is being made now. He’s having a very good season.”

Khusanov can be one of the world’s best, says Aguero

Guardiola has also not shied away from crediting Khusanov for his invaluable contributions to Manchester City’s title aspirations this season, having played regularly amid personnel issues in defence for the Blues.

Aguero added: “Khusanov is fast, aggressive – I like him. But as with (Rayan) Cherki, you have to see how he develops over time. I always end up valuing a player by how long he maintains his level.

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“If he keeps this level for three or four years, we can already say he is one of the best defenders in the world. Today, he has a lot of potential and if he stays on this road. But right now, there are other defenders who maintain the same level every year. With Khusanov behind, it makes a difference – at least what we are seeing this year.”

O’Reilly and Khusanov will be pleased with as big a seal of approval as it gets when you’re wearing the sky blue of Manchester City, with these testimonials coming from the club’s greatest goalscorer.