Due to a serious crisis that occurred in the first half of last season, Manchester City lost their four-year championship streak to Liverpool. This was a major blow in the Premier League trophy race, and the team led by Josep Guardiola ended the season without a single major trophy. This situation led to an increase in various questions and debates around the club.
Pep Guardiola saw the only way out of the situation as starting the process of renewing and rejuvenating the squad. For this very purpose, one of City’s biggest summer transfers was the arrival of Abdukodir Khusanov.
The signing of the young Uzbek central defender from Lens for €40 million sparked major discussions in English football. Among those who voiced doubts about the transfer was former England star and current well-known football commentator Gary Neville. According to him, Khusanov and another newcomer to the team — Gonzalez — might face difficulties adapting to Pep Guardiola’s system.
On the eve of the new season, the portal manchestercity.news published an analytical article about Manchester City’s overall preparation and, in particular, the major challenges facing Abdukodir Khusanov. It stated:
— The 2025–2026 season will be a time for City to silence the sharp words of critics, once again demonstrate their power, and for Pep Guardiola — to reclaim the Premier League throne from Liverpool. The Spanish specialist also aims to strengthen his status as the most prestigious and talented coach in English football.
Among the team’s experienced leaders, Bernardo Silva recently turned 31 and still proves with his active play on the field that older players are not an obstacle to the team’s development. Other players over 30 also intend to perform at a high level in the new season. Phil Foden, for his part, is working to restore his game after last season’s criticism.
Undoubtedly, among the players who will fight to answer the negative evaluations of last season, Abdukodir Khusanov holds a special place. Despite Gary Neville’s prediction, he already played in the starting lineup last season in important matches against Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle, and Tottenham, becoming one of City’s most reliable defenders.
Khusanov stands out for his speed, physical strength, ability to choose the right position, and skill in stopping dangerous counterattacks. There is no doubt that the 21-year-old defender may become a key pillar of the team in the coming years.
Pep Guardiola also recently, after the match against Palermo, praised the young Uzbek defender: “Khusanov showed his potential today. He is one of the fastest players I have seen,” the coach emphasized.
Defensive mistakes last season cost City dearly in the title race. If Abdukodir Khusanov raises the level of defense in the new season and leads the club to the championship, Gary Neville will surely regret his critical words.
Khusanov possesses all the qualities of a true central defender: speed, strong positional thinking, physical power, and ball-handling skills. Most importantly, Pep Guardiola trusts him.
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