Henry Winter ๐คIn praise of Abdukodir Khusanov. The Manchester City centre-back turned 22 only last month, is still developing his game, still ironing out mistakes, but increasingly impresses with his speed, athleticism and determination. Also his simple but effective distribution and love for the physical fray. At Wembley, his sprint back to dispossess the breaking Kai Havertz was pickpocketing at pace.
Khusanov did well in the Carabao Cup final as he gradually got to grips with Viktor Gyokeres. Still prone to a rash challenge. He took out Gyokeres but the booking didnโt faze him. Re-focused on winning his duels for the next hour.
His character has never been in doubt. On his City debut in Jan 2025, he didnโt speak the language and had had only two training sessions. He made two early mistakes, gifted Chelsea a route to goal and was then booked for fouling Cole Palmer. But he got on with the game and his career at City. โOur Uzbek warriorโ the club calls him.
Good scouting. City recruited him from Lens for ยฃ33.6m after heโd played only 31 games. Also great initial scouting by Lens when he was at Energetik-BGU in Minsk. Khusanov still has elements to improve, especially in aerial challenges (heโs 6ft 1in), but looks to have many of the strengths to mature into a top centre-half. And he is only just 22.
Khusanov is in competition with some heavyweight names such as Ruben Dias and John Stones (when fit). Josko Gvardiol was playing well before suffering a tibial fracture to his right leg. Gvardiol better at left centre-back where Marc Guehi has landed successfully. Gvardiol also plays left-back well (where Nico OโReilly, who prefers, is flourishing).
Nathan Ake, 31, partnered Khusanov at Wembley. Guardiola has outstanding options at centre-back, great role models for Khusanov to learn from. Guardiola Also academy graduate Max Alleyne. Khusanov can also play right-back.
He seems very humble. Khusanov had to be encouraged by Foden, Haaland and Donnarumma to go across to take the acclaim of the City fans at Wembley. Almost bashful. Nothing diffident about his defending, though. Khusanov looks a big prospect for City. #MCFC
BBC Sports Manchester City
James Ducker ๐ค
Kevin Hatchard ๐โฝ๏ธ ๐ค
Ben Jacobs ๐ค
Fabrizio Romano ๐ค