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“Pakhtakor” president’s sports advisor Maksim Shatskikh shared his thoughts in an interview with sports24.kz about Uzbekistan’s defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who currently plays for Manchester City.
– Mr. Maksim, what can you say about Khusanov? In the “Manchester Derby” and against “Crystal Palace,” Guardiola didn’t play the Uzbek defender. Do you think Abdukodir can make the Citizens' starting lineup?
– The fact that he didn’t play means nothing. Abdukodir will play in the starting lineup. I’ve said before, I’m saying it now, and I’ll continue saying: Khusonov is the future of Manchester City. He will definitely play! Excuse me, but the guy is only 21 years old. He’s already shown solid performances for Manchester City. Right now, the English club is going through a restructuring phase, and I believe it will continue.
It’s no secret, everyone sees that today’s Manchester City isn’t at the level it once was. So restructuring is inevitable. Khusanov was brought in specifically for that. Abdukodir is a highly skilled footballer. And a good person as well. He has the intelligence and physical strength needed to play for a top European club. The fact that he played earlier and then didn’t — it’s just normal rotation. That’s standard in football.
– Regardless, he’s gaining experience in a Premier League giant!
– Khusanov has settled in at Manchester City, and he’s not leaving. His career will now go upward. Everything depends on him. Abdukodir is mentally very stable. Some defenders or goalkeepers can lose their heads after mistakes. But not Khusanov! He’s completely calm and doesn’t get caught up in strange emotions. That’s a strong quality of his.
– Can Khusanov be compared to a legendary defender? Like Puyol or Pique?
– He’s not like Puyol. Emotionally, he’s a bit of a different kind of player. Khusanov is cultured, polite, and doesn’t talk much. Maybe with age that will change. Abdukodir rarely speaks and just quietly does his job.
– Maybe he’s like Pepe? A warrior!
– Maybe. But Pepe became that way later in his career when he no longer had the speed and physical form. He then started compensating with other skills. Let Khusanov be Khusanov! Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!
01:58, 13-04-2025
