Unexpected conclusion: Should Fayzullayev "escape" from Russia?

While one of the brightest talents of our country, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, is preparing for two important matches in the regional qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup as part of the Uzbekistan national team, the Russian press published an analytical article about the activities of our legionnaire in CSKA.

In particular, the experts of the football24.ru website analyzed how the changes implemented by CSKA head coach Marko Nikolic have affected the game of Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who was considered the main leader of the "army players" in the last two seasons.

Does Nikolic not need Fayzullaev?

CSKA has entered 2025 with a bang. The new stars that emerged in the team during the spring part of the championship gradually began to push the former leaders into the background. Abbasbek Fayzullaev, who was recently considered an irreplaceable player, played 42 minutes in the last two matches of the Russian Premier League. He was substituted in the 67th minute of the match in St. Petersburg.

This situation raises the question of "isn't Uzbek midfielder Marko Nikolic needed now?".

Fayzullaev's new task

CSKA's Serbian head coach Nikolic, as he promised, changed the team's game scheme. Now the team does not rely on bright wingers. Fayzullaev, on the other hand, is famous for his effective games in these positions. In the Uzbekistan national team, he also covered both wings. Abbasbek likes to start the attack from the wing and move to the center.

Now, CSKA will have to abandon the style of play he is used to. Nikolic sees the Uzbek legionnaire in the number 8 position. In this area, the competition is much more intense than on the wings. More maneuverability and creativity are required.

Abbas has previously failed to show himself in the number 8 position and was returned to the wings.

During the winter training camps, Fayzullaev felt uncomfortable in his new role. The Uzbek player does not have much time to adapt to the strict requirements. In addition, he missed most of the first training camp due to a back injury.

Is the situation complicated?

Fayzullaev did not play well in the friendlies held as part of the winter training camps. He wasted many chances. He did not play well in defense either. In the new position, Abbas will have to work hard not only near the opponent's penalty area, but also on his team's defense.

It should be noted that during the training session, Fayzullaev played a high-quality friendly match against Fakel. In that match, he started a goal-scoring attack, cutting through the Voronezh defense with one pass.

Then, in St. Petersburg, he came on the field from the first minutes. We can't say that Fayzullaev ruined this match, but he didn't show his best qualities either. In the first attack of the St. Petersburg team, he made a mistake in the center and let the opponent's player into the free zone. Igor Akinfeev saved the goal.

He lost to Mantuan in the attack. The Brazilian defender left the Uzbek player without a goal. Abbas won only one of ten one-on-ones. His shot was inaccurate. He could not actively help his teammates. The opponent made three passes around the penalty area, but never managed to put his teammates in a good position. He lost the ball twelve times. As a result, Nikolic substituted him in the 67th minute.

Abbas played 29 minutes for Khimki. He started the game well. He started an attack that could score a goal from the center of the field. He also got into a position to score a goal. This time, he was more active than in the match against Zenit. But this time, he was not the Fayzullaev that everyone was used to seeing. Before, he would deceive the opponent at least once. Where is that courage now?

In the match against Akron in Samara, Fayzullaev came on the field in the 77th minute and stood out with only one shot that went over the goal. Yes, this time he was more active in one-on-one battles, winning three out of four. He took the ball away four times. But his work in attack is going backwards.

Abbasbek did not affect the match. In Nikolic's new scheme, he lost his leadership role. Other players are providing the result.

Competition intensifies

After the winter training, the competition for a place in the starting lineup is intensifying. Especially in the center of the field. There are three contenders for the number 8 position - Abbasbek Fayzullaev, Matvey Kislyak and Kristijan Bystrovich. It is quite difficult for Abbas to compete with these players. Because the Uzbek legionnaire has never played in the center of the field before, while Kislyak and Bystrovich are originally considered to be players of the support zone. If Sasha Zdelar had not left the team, Abbas's work would have been even more difficult.

Bystrovich is stronger than Fayzullaev in one-on-one fights. In the last two matches, the Croatian player entered the fight seven times and lost only two to the opponent. He plays much better in defense than Abbas. He has made four more passes to the attack line than the Uzbek player. He also has more shots on goal.

Kislyak doesn't need to be described. He has shown that he can play effectively in several positions. Therefore, it is difficult to be envious of Fayzullaev's situation at CSKA.

What will happen in the end?

In the winter, Abbasbek said that he dreams of playing in Europe. For example, he mentioned Abdukadir Khusanov's transfer to Manchester City. Therefore, the Uzbek player is not at all content to be a reserve player. He will definitely try to use every opportunity.

Fayzullaev is a versatile player and will remain one of CSKA's main assets. The transfer price of the player, who came to Moscow for 500 thousand euros, has increased to 8 million euros. His remaining in the reserve raises serious questions for Marko Nikolic. It would not be beneficial for CSKA to reserve one of its main stars.

What if the time has come for Fayzullaev to leave? A player who was a target for Bayern Munich a year ago is now a substitute for CSKA. Should Fayzullaev really "escape" Russia? Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”