Manchester City made significant moves in the January transfer window, spending over £170 million on four first-team players to strengthen their squad during a challenging campaign. One of the most notable acquisitions was Abdukodir Khusanov, who joined from Ligue 1 side Lens for approximately £33.6 million. The 20-year-old became the first Uzbek player to compete in the Premier League, marking a historic moment for football in his homeland.
Thrown into the deep end, Khusanov experienced a tough introduction to English football, making an unfortunate mistake just five minutes into his debut against Chelsea. Despite the setback, his reaction to adversity has caught the attention of manager Pep Guardiola, who has highlighted the defender’s mentality and rapid adaptation to the team’s environment.
Guardiola’s amiration
Guardiola has been particularly impressed by Khusanov’s personality and influence within the squad. The Manchester City boss described him as a joyful presence, noting how he arrived for a recent match against Tottenham without even bringing a washbag or a toothbrush, solely focused on football.
“He just laughs all the time,” Guardiola shared. “But he’s dependable. He’s incredibly fast, and his passing quality is outstanding. He has a natural ability to break defensive lines, which is rare for a player his age. There’s still room for growth, but he’s only 20.”
The City manager also pointed out how well-liked Khusanov is among his teammates. “Everyone adores him. He’s humble, he never complains, and I have no doubt that our fans will take to him quickly. After his early mistake against Chelsea, he showed great composure, and in recent matches, he has performed at a high level.”
Opportunity amid injuries
Khusanov has stepped up at a crucial time for Manchester City, with key defenders Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Manuel Akanji all dealing with fitness concerns. The young center-back has already started four Premier League matches, adjusting to a different defensive partner in each game.
His ability to adapt quickly in the midst of these challenges has only strengthened Guardiola’s belief in his potential. With more opportunities likely to come, Khusanov’s development will be closely followed as he continues to make his mark on English football.
