Manchester City football club is actively continuing its process of rejuvenating the squad with a younger generation. As a key part of this strategy, in January this year, the arrival of 21-year-old Uzbek defender Abduqodir Husanov from the club Lens became of great importance.
Despite major changes in the team lineup, the coaching staff led by head coach Josep Guardiola had long been facing problems at right-back. Experiments with Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes did not yield the expected results, as their defensive skills could not provide the same stability as Kyle Walker.
Two defeats at the beginning of the season forced Guardiola to look for unconventional solutions. It was in this difficult period that Abduqodir Husanov's candidacy was put forward.
Mainly known as a central defender, the young Uzbek footballer left a positive impression by successfully playing as a right-back in several important matches. However, his injury temporarily halted this process.
Experts note that Husanov's consistency and level of understanding of defensive tactics are significantly higher than those of Lewis and Nunes. The Manchester City management and coaching staff decided to postpone the purchase of a new right-back on the transfer market.
The future of this position directly depends on Husanov's recovery speed from his injury and how well he can regain his previous form. If the talented Uzbek footballer returns to the field with his previous effectiveness, the club will not need any expensive transfers.
This strategy is also reinforced by complex transfer market conditions. Newcastle defender Tino Livramento was also part of Guardiola's transfer plans.
However, the likelihood of this deal happening is low, as Newcastle is focusing on extending contracts with Livramento and its other main players. If the “Magpies” keep their key players, it will be difficult for City to make those transfers.
For this reason, Manchester City is focusing on the quick recovery of its own young talent. The English media notes that Guardiola has placed great trust in Husanov.
He considers the young defender not only technically skilled, but, thanks to his tactical awareness, a player perfectly suited to the team's style. According to forecasts, the future defensive line of the “Citizens” may well be built around Abduqodir Husanov.
This would make him a key figure in the club's long-term plans.
