Sergio Aguero, Manchester City's all-time leading goalscorer, has heaped praise on two rising stars—Nico O'Reilly and Abdukodir Khusanov—as the Blues push for a historic domestic treble this season. The Argentine legend believes O'Reilly deserves the PFA Young Player of the Year award, while Khusanov has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world.
City's campaign has been one of resilience and resurgence. After lifting the Carabao Cup at Wembley in March, Pep Guardiola's side finds itself locked in a tense Premier League title race with Arsenal. With six consecutive wins across all competitions since March, City has defied expectations during a period of transition under director of football Hugo Viana, putting them on the brink of a second domestic treble under Guardiola.
At the heart of this run are two young talents who have become indispensable. Nico O'Reilly has been a revelation, forming a rock-solid backbone in a lineup that Guardiola has kept remarkably consistent during the high-stakes title run-in. Speaking to Stake ahead of City's crucial 2-1 win over Arsenal in April, Aguero didn't hold back: "It's very strange how they choose the best young player, but yes, today Nico has a very good chance to win the PFA Young Player of the Year award. I don't know the full list of nominees, but if City wins this weekend against Arsenal—which they did—and then the next game, he'll take it because the decision is being made now. He's having a very good season." O'Reilly's form has even sparked talk of a starting spot for England at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, Abdukodir Khusanov has quietly become a defensive linchpin. Guardiola has consistently credited the youngster for his composure and growth, and Aguero echoed that sentiment, noting that Khusanov's performances signal a bright future. "He can be one of the world's best defenders," Aguero said, highlighting the Uzbek international's impact in a squad that has had little margin for error.
As City prepares for a pivotal clash with Everton, these two young stars are proving that the club's future is in safe hands—and they're wearing the sky blue with pride.