Husanov is a perfect fit for Barcelona's style, says coach

Rafael Muslimov, an Uzbek specialist and coach at the Barcelona Academy in Manas, Kyrgyzstan, shared his thoughts on Manchester City defender Abdukodir Husanov's suitability for the Catalan club's style.

He noted that Abdukodir Husanov possesses all the key qualities Pep Guardiola values in defenders: high speed, physical strength, an aggressive playing style, football intelligence, and the ability to learn quickly.

According to the coach, these qualities have made Husanov a key player in Pep Guardiola's system. He stated that Guardiola understands the defender's strengths well and can effectively utilize them in his tactical scheme.

Muslimov believes that in such a playing style, defenders must perform tasks like making quick decisions, stopping opponent attacks, closing down space, and quickly transitioning to attack. Husanov is seen as one of the players who can fully meet these requirements.

At the same time, the expert emphasized that for Guardiola, a defender's ability to read the game, choose the right position, and make calm decisions under pressure is crucial.

Recall that in January 2025, Abdukodir Husanov was transferred from French club Lens to Manchester City for 40 million euros. He has now become one of the team's key players, playing a vital role in the defensive line.

European media continue to suggest that the future of the Uzbek footballer could be linked to top clubs such as Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich.