There were plenty of positives to emerge from the 2025-26 season for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side won the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, which was an important step in the growth of Manchester City's new-look team. A host of City players also impressed with their performances and growth this season. One of those was Abdukodir Khusanov.
Abdukodir Khusanov went from being a promising young defender to an important component of the Manchester City defence. The Uzbekistan international is now firmly established as a player that City can build their defence around. Khusanov's rise during the second half of the 2025-26 season was exciting to watch unfold and was a huge positive for City.
Abdukodir Khusanov is now a pillar of the Manchester City defence.
Serious injuries suffered by Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol as Manchester City drew 1-1 with Chelsea in January presented an opportunity for Abdukodir Khusanov to start regularly. For the first half of the 2025-26 season, Khusanov was a squad player for City. When his opportunity to start regularly came along, he seized it with both hands.
Abdukodir Khusanov started alongside Max Alleyne in City's defence in January before City signed Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. Khusanov and Alleyne played well together but Guehi's addition to Pep Guardiola's squad was a game changer. Guehi and Khusanov thrived as a centre-back pairing. Marc Guehi's presence seemed to lift Khusanov, and Khusanov's strengths stood out more with Guehi alongside him.
Due to the high defensive line that Manchester City employ, Abdukodir Khusanov's pace became crucial. The Uzbekistan international is exceptionally quick which allows him to make up ground like no other. Also, Khusanov reads the game exceptionally well so those two attributes that he has are vital to Manchester City.
Also, Abdukodir Khusanov is exceptionally strong and he loves to put himself into challenges. He is almost a throwback to defenders of years gone by. This trait of Khusanov's has made him a cult hero to Manchester City fans. It also forms a key component of his play.
Another aspect of Khusanov's play that improved by playing regularly was his play in possession. Khusanov has gone from playing it safe in possession to becoming a real weapon. The Uzbekistan international can drive his team forward with his dribbling and also is a key ingredient in Manchester City's build-up play. Khusanov's growth as a ball-playing defender was pleasing to see.
Looking ahead to next season, Abdukodir Khusanov has firmly established himself as a key pillar of the Manchester City defence. He should start next season as one of the starters at the back for the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. Khusanov has shown he is an important member of the City squad. He is seemingly destined for big things from next season and beyond.
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