- Henry Winter has given a detailed assessment on Abdukodir Khusanov
- He was impressed by the defender’s Carabao Cup final performance
- The journalist thinks Khusanov will do great things for Man City
Manchester City have benefitted hugely from Abdukodir Khusanov’s performances this season, leading to high praise from one of the biggest journalists in English football.
Abdukodir Khusanov was the type of signing who could go either way for Manchester City and his first few displays were a cause for concern.
However, the ‘Uzbek warrior’ has gone from strength to strength at the Etihad Stadium, making 23 starts in all competitions for his club this season.
Khusanov was particularly good during Man City’s Champions League second leg fixture against Real Madrid and he played the full 90 minutes of the Carabao Cup final.
Henry Winter waxes lyrical over Abdukodir Khusanov
Such performances by Khusanov have prompted praise from Henry Winter, who is liking what he has seen from the defender.
Winter took to social media to comment on how Khasanov played in the Carabao Cup, while examining his wider successes since joining Man City.
In praise of Abdukodir Khusanov. The Manchester City centre-back turned 22 only last month, is still developing his game, still ironing out mistakes, but increasingly impresses with his speed, athleticism and determination. Also his simple but effective distribution and love for…
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) March 24, 2026
The Journalist wrote: “In praise of Abdukodir Khusanov. The Manchester City centre-back turned 22 only last month, is still developing his game, still ironing out mistakes, but increasingly impresses with his speed, athleticism and determination.
“Also his simple but effective distribution and love for the physical fray. At Wembley, his sprint back to dispossess the breaking Kai Havertz was pickpocketing at pace.
“Khusanov did well in the Carabao Cup final as he gradually got to grips with Viktor Gyokeres. Still prone to a rash challenge. He took out Gyokeres but the booking didn’t faze him. Re-focused on winning his duels for the next hour,” Winter continued.
“He seems very humble. Khusanov had to be encouraged by Foden, Haaland and Donnarumma to go across to take the acclaim of the City fans at Wembley.
“Almost bashful. Nothing diffident about his defending, though. Khusanov looks a big prospect for City.”
Man City have a lot of competition for their centre-back positions
With Khusanov at his best and Marc Guehi arriving in the mid-season transfer window, the central defensive positions at Man City have become much more competitive.
Pep Guardiola will also be aware of how well Nathan Ake played in the Carbao Cup final, which makes his future team selections even more interesting.
Khusanov, however, is the player who really looks like he is going to be an absolute titan at City for many years to come.
Plus, with the likes of Ruben Dias and other leaders to guide him, Khusanov is only going to get better as time goes on.
