The BBC published a large article about Abdukodir Khusanov. It describes the young defender's first steps at Manchester City, the difficult moments of his debut, his speed and his "smart" style of play. In short, the young man, who was a household name for many only yesterday, is now becoming a recognized figure in English football.
A historic first step in the Premier League
Khusanov made history as the first Uzbek player to play in the English elite division. This is a big event in itself. But every first appearance on the big stage comes at a price.
As the BBC recalled, the defender's debut for City was difficult: a series of mistakes in the 4th minute of the match, which led to the opponent's first goal. On top of that, he also received a yellow card shortly after. In that match, against Chelsea in January 2025, Khusanov was even more in the spotlight as a defender who joined the team for 33 million pounds.
Opinions were also harsh after that difficult start. Gary Neville said that he "wanted to cry for the guy", and later, after the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, Paul Robinson sharply described him as "a rabbit frozen in the headlights".
But in football, the most important thing is not the first mistake, but how you get up after it.
From failure to a key defender
The BBC's main idea is that while Manchester City are fighting for high goals in all four competitions, Khusanov has left his previous stumbles behind and become one of the reliable pillars of the defensive line. It is not for nothing that Pep Guardiola called him a "top-class player".
What is noteworthy is that the 21-year-old defender has made a very rapid and impressive leap from the Belarusian league to the English Premier League in three years. This is not a simple transfer story, this is a story of character.
According to the BBC, Khusanov is also expected to defend the honor of Uzbekistan at the World Cup in the summer. That is, he is becoming a player with great responsibility both for the club and the national team.
The assessment of "very intelligent" is not in vain
Khusanov has played 22 times in all competitions for City this season. He played in the first-half defeats to Manchester United and Newcastle, as well as in the decisive win over reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield.
After the Liverpool game, Guardiola noted that Khusanov had been very thorough against big-name strikers like Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike. However, Abdukadir was substituted in the second half after colliding with City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
There is also an interesting episode about language: Khusanov barely spoke any English when he arrived in Manchester. Guardiola jokingly said: “He doesn’t speak like William Shakespeare yet, but he’s getting better every day. He understands what we want and he’s playing better every time. He’s very intelligent.”
Khusanov’s nature is also described by the BBC: he’s quiet, but he “speaks his mind” on the pitch – in an unadorned, assertive and confident manner.
Speed is the gold standard in modern football
The article focuses on speed. Khusanov has clocked 22 mph (about 35 km/h) this season. This is the sixth fastest pace among defenders in the Premier League. The leading scorer is Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jackson Chatchuada - 23.2 mph.
Even from this seemingly impossible position, Khusanov was able to return a pass from Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes to Mbemo.
The statistics are not bad either: Khusanov has made 17 interceptions and 18 saves this season. In both figures, he is ranked second in the City team. With Ruben Dias, Josko Guardiola and John Stones out, Abdukadir has played a crucial role in filling the gap in the defense.
Wolves will try to avoid City's pressure, but Khusanov will move from the center to the wing and intercept the pass.
According to analysts, a quick center-back is a necessity in City's dangerous style of play, which is based on high pressure and the offside trap. Because he must either "shoot" forward to force the opponent into an offside position, or drop back on long passes to eliminate the threat.
Khusanov wisely refused to duel with Ekitike, who had received the ball, because he saw Gakpo breaking through. By running back, he was able to stop Gakpo from going one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
Another figure cited by the BBC: he sprints an average of 17.85 times per 90 minutes - this is the highest rate among center-backs in the league.
Now Khusanov is different from before
Of course, some fans may still feel a bit nervous when he handles the ball. It's a shadow of that difficult memory from his debut. But the main point that the BBC and Guardiola are trying to make is the same: he's still young, he's still maturing, but he's growing very fast.
Guardiola believes in his future and has stressed that City have a reliable central defender for many years.
"They usually say that a physically strong player doesn't think too much. But he has both qualities. That's why his play with the ball is also improving. This makes me believe that he will grow further.
I think he will develop further. I repeat, Manchester City have a reliable central defender for many years," says the club coach.
In short, the young man who was described as a "rabbit in the headlights" yesterday has become a defender who is finding his place in English football and opening new doors for Uzbek football. Now the task before him is simple: to maintain this pace, gain experience and prove himself stronger in every game. And fans are ready to see that way — because this is just the beginning.
