Abdukodir Khusanov - The Times Of Central Asia

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Abdukodir Khusanov

The Athletic Names Khusanov Among World’s Most Underrated Footballers

Abdukodir Khusanov, a defender for the Uzbekistan national team and English Premier League club Manchester City, has been included in a list of the world’s most underrated footballers compiled by The Athletic. In its analysis, The Athletic noted that Khusanov’s early reputation was influenced by a difficult debut against Chelsea last season, when he conceded a goal and struggled during the opening minutes. This performance led some observers to underestimate the 22-year-old center-back. However, The Athletic added that he quickly recovered, demonstrating the qualities that prompted Manchester City to sign him and showing further improvement during the current campaign. The report highlights Khusanov’s pace, strong reading of defensive situations, and willingness to challenge opponents aggressively. While noting that his style can at times be overly assertive, The Athletic suggests these aspects can be refined with experience. It also emphasizes his composure in possession, describing him as “a genuine top prospect.” Khusanov appears on the list alongside several high-profile players from leading European clubs, including Federico Valverde of Real Madrid, Harry Maguire of Manchester United, Bernardo Silva of Manchester City, João Neves of Paris Saint-Germain, Harry Kane and Aleksandar Pavlović of Bayern Munich, Eric García of Barcelona, Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray, Jurriën Timber of Arsenal, and Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace. Earlier, Khusanov was named Asia’s Best Young Footballer of 2025 by the outlet Goalpost, marking another milestone in his development. Over the past year, he has experienced a breakthrough period in his career. In January, he became the first Uzbek player to make his debut in the English Premier League following his transfer to Manchester City, according to English-language media reports. Since joining the club, Khusanov has gradually established himself in the squad, making nine appearances this season. His inclusion in The Athletic’s list reflects growing recognition of his potential at the highest level of European football.

Researchers Name Abdukodir Khusanov Fastest Center Back in Champions League

Uzbekistan national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been ranked the fastest central defender currently competing in the UEFA Champions League, according to new data released by the CIES Football Observatory. The Switzerland-based research group published its latest Weekly Post featuring exclusive Gradient data on running speeds among players whose clubs remain in the competition. The report analyzed maximum speeds and distance covered across different speed categories for five positional groups. Khusanov, who plays for Manchester City, recorded a top speed of 35.8 kilometers per hour, placing him first among center backs. He finished ahead of Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven in the same category. The CIES report also highlighted the fastest players in other positions. Among full-backs, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes led the rankings, while Archie Gray topped the central midfield category. Anthony Gordon was the fastest among wide midfielders and wingers, and Kylian Mbappé led among center forwards. The data further examined how players distributed their movement across different speed ranges. Among the 100 players analyzed, Mbappé, Victor Osimhen, and Luis Suárez covered the highest proportion of distance at walking pace, defined as below 7 kilometers per hour. In contrast, central midfielders Häkon Evjen, João Simões, and Lucas Bergvall recorded the lowest share of walking distance. Earlier this month, the 21-year-old Khusanov was named Manchester City’s Player of the Month for January after winning a fan vote by a wide margin. The club praised his composure and tactical discipline, noting that his decision-making under pressure stood out during seven appearances across competitions.

Football

Abdukodir Khusanov Named Manchester City’s Player of the Month for January

Uzbekistan national team defender Abdukodir Khusanov has been named Manchester City’s Player of the Month for January, marking a major milestone in his early Premier League career. The club announced that Khusanov won the fan vote by a wide margin following a string of standout performances. The 21-year-old made seven appearances during the month, demonstrating consistency and adaptability while partnering with various defenders. Manchester City praised Khusanov’s composure and tactical discipline, noting that his decision-making under pressure set him apart. He finished ahead of high-profile teammates, including goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and club captain Bernardo Silva, to earn his first individual accolade at the club. Khusanov’s rise at City has drawn significant attention in Uzbekistan, where he is regarded as one of the country’s brightest footballing talents. His January performances reinforced that status, as he secured a regular spot in the defensive lineup and proved dependable in critical matches. Ahead of a UEFA Champions League fixture in January, Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola commended the young defender’s rapid development. “Just read the media, how they praised Khusanov. They’re right. He’s top,” Guardiola said, describing the player’s recent form as “exceptional.” Khusanov played the full 90 minutes in City’s Champions League clash against Norway’s Bodo/Glimt on January 20, anchoring the defense despite the team’s defeat. Guardiola also highlighted Khusanov’s discipline during earlier periods of limited playing time, citing his professionalism and commitment to improvement as a reflection of his football education in Uzbekistan.

Guardiola Praises Uzbekistan’s “Top” Khusanov After Champions League Start

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has praised Uzbek defender Abduqodir Khusanov for his standout performance and professionalism, before the club’s UEFA Champions League clash with Norway’s Bodo/Glimt. Guardiola’s remarks were shared by City Xtra on X following the pre-match press conference. “Just read the media, how they praised Khusanov. They’re right. He’s top,” Guardiola said. “We don’t have complaints. The last game he was exceptional and the previous one as well. We’re really pleased.” Manchester City lost 3-1 to Bodo/Glimt on January 20, in the seventh round of the Champions League. Khusanov started the match and played the full 90 minutes, anchoring City’s defense throughout. Guardiola commended Khusanov’s attitude during a period of limited playing time earlier in the season. “After Arsenal, a month without playing, and you cannot imagine how he behaved in training and in the locker room. That defines Khusanov,” he said. The manager attributed the defender’s discipline and adaptability to his formative years in Uzbekistan and his stint in France prior to joining the Premier League champions. “He listened, he learned, and of course his condition is exceptional,” Guardiola added. “Manchester City will have a central defender for many, many years, and at a top, top level.” According to statistics from SofaScore, Khusanov was a key figure in City’s build-up play, registering 110 touches and completing 94 of 96 passes, a 98% accuracy rate. SofaScore rated his overall performance at 6.3/10. Defensively, Khusanov made eight key actions, including three interceptions, three clearances, and five ball recoveries. He won both of his ground duels, though he was less successful in aerial challenges, losing all three attempts.

Uzbek Defender Abdukodir Khusanov Named Asia’s Best Young Footballer of 2025

Abdukodir Khusanov, central defender for the Uzbekistan national team and Manchester City, has been named Asia’s Best Young Footballer of 2025 by football outlet Goalpost, marking a major milestone in the meteoric rise of the 21-year-old. The past year has been a breakthrough period for Khusanov. In January, he made history as the first footballer from Uzbekistan to debut in the English Premier League, following his transfer to Manchester City. Since then, he has steadily earned playing time at one of Europe’s top clubs, making nine appearances for the Manchester side this season. Khusanov’s impact has extended beyond club football. In June, he played a pivotal role in securing Uzbekistan’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup, a landmark achievement for the national team. His performances at both domestic and international levels propelled him to the top of Goalpost’s rankings, ahead of emerging talents from Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Iraq, and other Asian nations. His international recognition continues to grow. Khusanov was recently ranked 86th in The Athletic’s list of the world’s top 100 footballers, underscoring his expanding global profile. Interest from Europe’s elite clubs is also mounting. In December, reports emerged that Real Madrid is considering Khusanov for a mid-season loan, viewing him as a potential short-term solution to its defensive injury crisis. The Spanish club is said to value his physical presence and versatility, particularly his ability to play in several defensive positions.

Sport

Uzbek Star Khusanov Named Man City’s Player of the Month

Uzbek footballer Abdukodir Khusanov has made history by being named Etihad Player of the Month for February, just six weeks after joining Manchester City on a four-and-a-half-year contract. A Rapid Rise at City Khusanov has quickly won over fans with his strong, fast, and determined defensive performances under head coach Pep Guardiola. His impressive displays earned him the highest number of votes ever recorded for the award, surpassing star players Erling Haaland and Joško Gvardiol. The 21-year-old, who recently celebrated his birthday, has already made a significant impact at City. He scored his first goal for the club in early February, helping City secure a 2-1 victory against Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup. Last month, he played every minute of City’s Premier League matches against Newcastle, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur. The team won two of these games, keeping clean sheets against Newcastle and Spurs. Even in City’s defeat to Liverpool, Khusanov stood out as one of the team’s best performers. His steady improvement suggests he is adapting well to English football. Transfer and Future Prospects As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Khusanov joined Manchester City from French club Lens in a €40 million transfer. He signed a contract until June 2029, with an option to extend for another year. Manchester City congratulated Khusanov on his award and thanked fans for their votes. With such a strong start, many believe he has much more to offer Guardiola’s squad in the future.