{"id":6003,"date":"2026-09-25T09:41:13","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T09:41:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=6003"},"modified":"2026-09-25T09:41:13","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T09:41:13","slug":"man-city-players-stance-on-joining-chelsea-has-been-revealed-with-xabi-alonso-eager","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/footballars.xyz\/?p=6003","title":{"rendered":"Man City player’s stance on joining Chelsea has been revealed with Xabi Alonso ‘eager’"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Chelsea may have to dip into the January transfer window to sort their defensive problems with a Man City player now a key target. But the Blues are going to struggle to get their way.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Chelsea<\/a> fans were full of optimism after the first few games of the season, but after a draw against Hull and a loss at Brentford, Blues supporters have been left questioning the credentials of Xabi Alonso\u2019s<\/a> side.<\/p>\n

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Alonso has failed to plug the leak in Chelsea\u2019s defence, with the Blues now 21 games without keeping a Premier League clean sheet. A total of 12 Premier League goals conceded; reinforcements are required.<\/p>\n

Man City defender\u2019s stance on Chelsea move revealed<\/h2>\n

It has been reported this week that Chelsea are considering new options ahead of the January window, and one player under consideration is Man City\u2019s Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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How would you rate Xabi Alonso’s first weeks at Stamford Bridge?<\/h3>\n

What has worked, and what needs improving? \ud83e\udd14<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Khusanov has caught the eye at Man City since his move from Lens, known for his defensive speed and his tough-tackling approach. Able to play anywhere across the back line, Chelsea want to sign him.<\/p>\n

His lack of game time this season has convinced Chelsea there may be a chance of doing a deal. Caught Offside editor Mark Brus<\/a>, however, says that Khusanov has no intention of leaving Enzo Maresca\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstand Khusanov is highly appreciated by Chelsea. Player not pushing to leave City, but Chelsea are eager to strengthen defence after a shaky start,\u201d Brus reported on X after the initial links with Khusanov.<\/p>\n

Is Khusanov any better than Chelsea\u2019s current defenders?<\/h2>\n

The 22-year-old boasts huge potential, and he would provide Alonso with an option that can play in any of the three defensive centre-back roles, or at full-back. But is he any better than what Chelsea have?<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
2025-26 per 90<\/strong><\/td>\nAbdukodir Khusanov<\/strong><\/td>\nWesley Fofana<\/strong><\/td>\nMaxence Lacroix<\/strong><\/td>\nLevi Colwill<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Club (2025\u201326)<\/strong><\/td>\nMan City<\/td>\nChelsea<\/td>\nCrystal Palace<\/td>\nChelsea<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Matches Played (Starts)<\/strong><\/td>\n18 (14)<\/td>\n25 (24)<\/td>\n35 (35)<\/td>\n24 (22)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tackles Won<\/strong><\/td>\n0.95<\/strong><\/td>\n1.04<\/strong><\/td>\n1.32<\/strong><\/td>\n1.21<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Interceptions<\/strong><\/td>\n1.85<\/strong><\/td>\n2.08<\/strong><\/td>\n1.65<\/strong><\/td>\n2.01<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clearances<\/strong><\/td>\n4.20<\/strong><\/td>\n6.67<\/strong><\/td>\n5.80<\/strong><\/td>\n5.62<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Shots Blocked<\/strong><\/td>\n0.85<\/strong><\/td>\n1.12<\/strong><\/td>\n1.05<\/strong><\/td>\n1.21<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aerial Duels Won %<\/strong><\/td>\n61.5%<\/strong><\/td>\n64.2%<\/strong><\/td>\n63.8%<\/strong><\/td>\n66.0%<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pass Completion %<\/strong><\/td>\n92.4%<\/strong><\/td>\n88.1%<\/strong><\/td>\n83.6%<\/strong><\/td>\n89.5%<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Progressive Passes<\/strong><\/td>\n4.10<\/strong><\/td>\n3.25<\/strong><\/td>\n2.90<\/strong><\/td>\n4.85<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fouls Committed<\/strong><\/td>\n0.88<\/strong><\/td>\n1.41<\/strong><\/td>\n0.99<\/strong><\/td>\n0.40<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Discipline (Yellow \/ Red)<\/strong><\/td>\n2Y \/ 0R<\/strong><\/td>\n8Y \/ 2R<\/strong><\/td>\n5Y \/ 1R<\/strong><\/td>\n3Y \/ 0R<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n

The data above shows Khusanov\u2019s stats per 90 in the Premier League compared to Chelsea\u2019s best three centre-backs, Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana from last season. He hardly stands out.<\/p>\n

Indeed, the only metric in which Khusanov is better than Chelsea\u2019s defenders is his passing success rate, and that is largely because he played under Pep Guardiola. His discipline record is also slightly better.<\/p>\n

But on the stats that mean something \u2013 tackles, duels, interceptions, blocks, clearances etc. \u2013 Khusanov actually comes off worse than Chelsea\u2019s current options. A good signing, but not an improvement.<\/p>\n

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