Ukrainian media outlets have published an interesting interview with Maksim Shatskix, the former striker of the Uzbekistan national team and Dynamo Kyiv. In it, the expert shared his thoughts on two defenders currently playing in Europe — Manchester City player Abduqodir Husanov and Ilya Zabarnyi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
Shatskix noted that Abduqodir Husanov has become one of the most important figures in the Uzbekistan national team today. In a short period, he made a significant leap, securing a place in the starting lineup of a giant like Manchester City and earning the trust of Pep Guardiola.
The expert compared this process to the example of Oleksandr Zinchenko, emphasizing the importance of gradual growth and being prepared for opportunities in top-level football. In his opinion, Husanov reached this level specifically through hard work and discipline.
— Husanov is truly a high-level defender. For many, this might be unexpected — it is not easy to come out of Uzbekistan and become a key player at Manchester City. But he is fully proving this with his performance, — Shatskix said.
He also specifically touched upon the Uzbek football market, noting that there are enough talented players there. He stated that Husanov's transfer has increased attention toward this market.
According to Shatskix, he has known Abduqodir since he was 16 years old. At that time, he was an inconspicuous boy who was not physically strong. However, over the last two years, he has made immense progress — not only physically but also in terms of tactical thinking.
Regarding the comparison of the two players, the expert does not consider it appropriate. In his view, Husanov and Zabarnyi play in completely different environments, leagues, and styles.
— It is wrong to compare them. Both are operating in different teams and different systems. It is difficult to say exactly who would play how and where. This is football — everything depends on the circumstances, — he said.
Speaking about Zabarnyi, Shatskix emphasized that he would not say there is a lack of stability in his game. According to him, defenders' mistakes are always costly, which is why the demands placed on them are so high.
In short, there is a simple conclusion here: Husanov is not a "coincidence," but the result of systematic work. And most interestingly, this is just the beginning.
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