This is who city are chucking in against us tomorrow - Abdukodir Khusanov: Uzbekistan's Rising Star
Uzbekistan's Abdukodir Khusanov, a £42m signing from Lens, is set for his Premier League debut against Chelsea, poised to fill Kyle Walker's shoes with pace, versatility, and tactical awareness.
Original Source
The Times
Written by
Steve Worrell
Abdukodir Khusanov’s journey from Uzbekistan to the Premier League is a testament to his talent and determination. The 20-year-old defender has been clocked at speeds comparable to Kyle Walker, making him a key part of Pep Guardiola’s plans after Walker's departure to AC Milan. Known for his athleticism, game-reading ability, and ball progression, Khusanov is poised to make history as Uzbekistan’s first Premier League player in Manchester City’s high-stakes clash with Chelsea.
- Transfer Details:
- Signed by Manchester City from Lens for £42m.
- Set to debut against Chelsea, replacing Kyle Walker, who has joined AC Milan on loan.
- Player Profile:
- 6ft 1in defender with exceptional speed (23mph).
- Versatile, capable of playing as a centre-back or full-back.
- Known for physical dominance, ball progression, and long passes.
- Background and Development:
- Emerged from Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan before moving to Belarus and Lens.
- Scouted during the 2023 U-20 World Cup, impressing with strong aerial duels and tactical awareness.
- Earned recognition for his performances in Ligue 1 under coach Will Still.
- Significance for Uzbekistan:
- First Uzbek player in the Premier League, inspiring football aspirations in his home country.
- Celebrated as a symbol of Uzbekistan's footballing potential on a global stage.
- Role at Manchester City:
- Seen as a direct replacement for Walker, bringing speed and adaptability.
- Could feature in City’s defensive lineup due to injuries to key players like John Stones and Nathan Aké.
- Quotes from Coaches and Peers:
- Lens coach Will Still: "He is a war machine... impressive physically and athletically."
- Uzbek coach Nurmukhamedov: "He combines humility, respect, and a hardworking mentality."
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Photo Credit
OM BARTON/MANCHESTER CITY
Written by
Steve Worrell
Steve, Co-founder of The 1905 Club, created the platform to provide honest, clickbait-free Chelsea FC content. He worked at Stamford Bridge from 2013 to 2016 with a Champions League sponsor. His first Chelsea match was a 1-0 win at Leeds in 2000, and his favourite was the epic 2012 Champions League game against Napoli.
