Manchester City fans have leapt to the defence of Abdukodir Khusanov.
The young defender developed an unfair rep following a nightmare start to life in England. Khusanov committed an error for a Chelsea goal minutes into his debut last January. Forget that City went on to win 3-1. In the months since, fans and pundits alike are quick to bring up the mistake. The former Lens man is having a hard time shaking off that mishap.
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Pep Guardiola rightly took Khusanov out of the firing line. The 21-year-old made just six league starts following his arrival 12 months ago. Moving to a new country, to a team with sky high demands, was already tough enough. That Khusanov didn’t speak a word of English hardly helped matters.
Khusanov throw in at the deep end
Out of the spotlight, Khusanov became a bit of a forgotten man. Matheus Nunes hardly put a foot wrong at right-back, while Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones continued to shine at the heart of the defence. As fate would have it, disaster struck during City’s recent welcome of Chelsea.
Both Dias and Gvardiol sustained injuries. The latter is expected to miss the rest of the season. Khusanov was suddenly thrust back into the limelight. Indeed, he started the recent meetings with Brighton, Exeter and Newcastle. Alongside 20-year-old Max Alleyne, Khusanov was the elder statesman at the back.
Admittedly, the 10-1 mauling of Exeter was hardly a true test of his defensive capabilities. The draw with Brighton was largely due to City’s inability to put the Seagulls to the sword. However, the 2-0 EFL Cup win at Newcastle in midweek served to highlight Khusanov’s newfound defensive confidence.
There was always a top-tier centre-back in there, it was a case of rebuilding his belief that he could succeed in England. St. James’ Park is never an easy ground to visit. The fervent Newcastle support makes for an intimidating atmosphere. It can mentally affect players.
Khusanov key in midweek Newcastle win
A lengthy VAR check dominated the post-match analysis, when really Khusanov should have been a focus. The Magpies managed just two shots on target. This is a Newcastle side that is averaging 5.9 shots on target per 90 at home this season. And yet Khusanov and his City teammates stood firm on the Tyne.
Six clearances and four tackles – and a 100% tackle success rate – contributed to a resolute performance as City kept a second successive away clean sheet. The perfect tackling showing shouldn’t come as a shock, though. Of the 303 players to have attempted at least 10 tackles, Khusanov’s 91.7% success rate is the fifth highest in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign. It’s fourth of defenders, with Gvardiol (94.7%) among those higher.
Across seven league outings this season, Khusanov has been dribbled past just the once. Even then, that came when playing at right-back against Manchester United earlier in the season. Even concerns about his distribution are a misconception. An 88.5% pass accuracy may be below the standards expected of a Guardiola defender.
However, Khusanov’s worst games in terms of distribution both came at right-back, again against United and in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Rather, his ability to find a teammate came to the fore when operating at centre-back. This was again on show at Newcastle, where Khusanov managed a 93.5% pass accuracy. He completed more passes (58) than any other player. As such, City dominated proceedings, enjoying 57.6% possession.
Pep’s praise for developing Uzbek star
“He is a top signing,” Guardiola enthused about Khusanov earlier this week. “He helps a lot because we play so high, and the positions in behind he handles it really well. He loves these kinds of actions. Step by step, we need him in the process on the ball, he will learn as he is so young. He is so coachable; he is always training good and gives 100%.”
This is the key behind Khusanov’s recent improvements both on and off the ball. At his age, he needs to relevant guidance to develop into an elite centre-back. He has only been a handful of appearances, but the improvements to his defensive and in-possession displays are clear for all to see, especially compared to 12 months ago.
And having passed a Newcastle test with flying colours, Khusanov will come in for another stern examination this weekend. Granted, United aren’t the team they once were. Conversely, a managerial change combined with Michael Carrick’s first home Manchester Derby means Saturday’s lunchtime clash will be another acid test for Khusanov.
Even so, the young defender survived being thrown in at the deep end. United are still United, and you’d back the Uzbekistan international to put in another steadfast showing as City look to put pressure on Arsenal at the top of the table.
