Manchester City will have multiple players at World Cup
Some competing at international tournament for first time
Competition begins in June
We’re celebrating the launch of the Read Network’s brand new World Cup website by taking a look at three Manchester City players to keep a close eye on this summer.
Man City’s squad is filled with international talents, from established veterans such as Bernardo Silva and Nathan Ake, to younger players like Jeremy Doku and James Trafford.
Here are three City stars to watch, all of whom will be making their debut at the biggest event in world football.
Abdukodir Khusanov faces a huge test
Uzbekistan have qualified for the World Cup this summer and Khusanov has been handed a tough task.
The Asian nation are up against Portugal, the reigning champions of the UEFA Nations League, who have Silva and Matheus Nunes at their disposal.
Colombia are not at Portugal’s level, but they are another team who will be looking to cause Uzbekistan some problems.
Khusanov has played in the Champions League and impressed at the highest level of English football, but he has been surrounded by quality. This is a different type of test altogether.
Nico O’Reilly will be fighting for his place in England’s team
Thomas Tuchel has favoured Djed Spence at left-back in recent fixtures, but O’Reilly has been given some chances to show what he can do.
The 21-year-old has been in outstanding form and he will surely have a part to play at the World Cup.
However, there is no guarantee that O’Reilly will be a regular starter, so he will have to fight hard when given the chance.
O’Reilly has quite literally won Man City a trophy this season, but does he have what it takes to stand out for the Three Lions so early in his career? We will find out soon enough.
Rayan Cherki will experience a similar scenario
Thomas Tuchel’s squad is pretty congested and it is the same story at France, particularly in the attacking areas.
The French national team have an array of talent in their offensive line and Cherki too will have to work hard if he is to be receiving starts.
When France played Brazil in March, the 22-year-old was left on the bench. He did register 78 minutes against Colombia, but failed to get a goal contribution as his team picked up a 3-1 victory.
Cherki is one of the most talented players in world football and it will be interesting to see if he is ready to showcase them on the biggest international stage. The expectations will be high, but this is a player who continues to look relaxed under pressure.
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