Manchester City now has four solutions to right -back problems

Gilabola.com – Manchester City finally had four options to overcome the problem in their right -back position, although previously the main problem had existed in the opposite sector, namely the left back.

From left back to right back

Last summer, City actually managed to complete their long search for a natural left back with the presence of Rayan Ait-Nouri, who was immediately plotted as the first choice. However, irony occurs because now the problem actually arises on the right side of the defense.

Although it has spent around Rp6.2 trillion in the 2025 transfer market, City still hasn’t found a right-back that can really be relied upon. Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes have been tried in that position, but both are actually midfielders and seem to be quite convincing in the three matches early in the season.

Four names that can be an answer

This situation makes four names that can be used as a temporary solution by Pep Guardiola. Abdukodir KhusanovUzbekistan defender, performed surprising when trusted in the Derby match against Manchester United. It shows the speed and awareness of survivors that are more solid than Rico Lewis or Matheus Nunes.

Besides Khusanov, there is John Stones which has been proven to be able to play in the right back position, especially when facing a team with physical strength like Arsenal. Meanwhile, Lewis can remain reliable when City dominates possession, and Nunes can be a flexible option if Stones or Khusanov must play in another position or constrained fitness.

Although there is no permanent solution, these four options are at least enough to maintain the team’s balance. With the right rotation, City still has a great chance of competing at domestic and European levels.

Voices from observers

In Podcast Talking City, journalist Alex James assessed that Stones or Khusanov could be the most reasonable choice because they were more firm in defense. Meanwhile, Tyrone Marshall added that Khusanov brought the speed that Kyle Walker had once owned by a very important one for the high defense line system that City was always used.