Abbasbek Faizullaev: What is preventing the bright star of CSKA?

In August 2023, Abbosbek Fayzullaev transferred from Pakhtakor Tashkent to CSKA Moscow and quickly became one of the team's leading players. Our young and talented legionnaire was recognized as one of the brightest discoveries of the Russian Premier League.

Although the 21-year-old Fayzullaev played an important role in CSKA's matches during the first half of the current season, after the winter break, the team's head coach, Marko Nikolic, made significant tactical changes.

These changes greatly affected Abbosbek. His responsibilities on the field increased sharply, and his primary playing position also changed. Currently, Abbos is undergoing a process of adapting to his new role, causing a noticeable decline in his performance.

Russian football experts shared their views on our compatriot's situation.

Former CSKA defender Vladimir Ponomaryov noted that Abbosbek has recently encountered physical preparation issues:

“Abbosbek Fayzullaev is experiencing difficulties with physical fitness. He's still very young – just 21 years old. He is tired both physically and mentally. Initially, he was praised excessively, even elevated to the level of a Real Madrid player.

We need to be very cautious with young footballers. They shouldn't take excessive praise too seriously; instead, they should learn from their mistakes. Currently, Abbosbek is overloaded. He shouldn't have been made a central figure of the team right away. He needs time to recover, only then can he return to his previous level.”

Another former CSKA player, Aleksandr Grishin, also commented on the changes in Abbosbek's game:

“Abbosbek Fayzullaev is a winger, meaning he feels most comfortable on the wing. But CSKA has now changed his position and complicated his tasks. Therefore, lately, Abbosbek is becoming less visible on the pitch. Previously, he played much more freely.”

This season, Abbosbek Fayzullaev has appeared in 32 matches in the Russian Premier League and the Russian Cup, scoring 3 goals and providing 7 assists. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!