- Abdukodir Khusanov has earned major praise
- The defender has become important for Man City
- His pace has been compared to Kyle Walker’s
Abdukodir Khusanov has received glowing praise after becoming an increasingly important figure in Manchester City’s title charge.
Man City signed Khusanov from Lens in January 2025, with the defender arriving as the first Uzbek player in Premier League history.
The 21-year-old endured a difficult start to life in England after making an early mistake on his debut against Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola, though, came to his rescue publicly backing the centre-back after the game. Since then, Khusanov has grown into an important role under the Catalan manager.
His recent performances have now earned great praise from fans and pundits alike. Likewise, he remains one of the important pieces of the puzzle in the title race.
Abdukodir Khusanov earns big praise
Speaking on the Fan Debate from The Overlap, a fan highlighted Khusanov’s impact at the Etihad in the absence of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.
Gary Neville first thought that the current City team was too early when it came to experience and challenging for the title. However, Scholes pointed out the changes in January that helped the Sky Blues regain their form.
“I thought, City, this was one year too early. In fact, I couldn’t see where this new team was coming from, probably pre-Christmas,” Neville said.
Scholes added: “The two signings in January were big as well, weren’t they? Guehi’s made a massive difference.”
Reacting to Khusanov’s rise, one fan said, “Khusanov has been brilliant as well. Khusanov’s been, like, unbelievable, for his age as well.
“I think he’s been unbelievable. The confidence he’s got at such a young age as well and how fast he is. Every time anyone gets in behind, it’s like having Kyle Walker at centre-back, he’s so quick.
“And yeah, I think he’s been massive for us this season.”
Khusanov has answered early doubts
After his mistake against Chelsea, the media couldn’t get enough of the 22-year-old. However, following his comeback, the narrative has changed completely.
Guardiola backing the defender was obviously a key move by the Catalan manager. It helped Khusanov recover from his mistake without facing the media backlash.
The City manager himself described the centre-back as ‘unbelievable’, comparing his physicality to Kyle Walker in his prime.
In 12 Premier League starts, Khusanov has averaged 2.25 interceptions per 90 this season, ranking in the top 3.3% of centre-backs in the league.
City may have found long-term defensive solution
John Stones will be leaving the Etihad at the end of the season. Nathan Ake is also doubtful as the Dutchman is trying to find regular football elsewhere.
Ake is being linked with three Serie A sides, and Fabrizio Romano also reported that the defender is looking for a career elsewhere.
Ruben Dias is 28 and, in a few years, will be past his prime. The Portuguese international isn’t showing overall signs of slowing down, but it is important to note that he’ll turn 29 this month.
March Guehi and Josko Gvardiol are young, while Vitor Reis is still garnering experience in La Liga. Nevertheless, one of Khusanov’s most important attributes is his ability to track back at a full-back’s speed.
With Guardiola’s teams playing high up the pitch, Khusanov’s pace has been integral in cutting out counterattacks. This ability doesn’t leave City as exposed and will be his strongest skill in the years to come.
