Manchester City’s £33.6 million signing from Lens, Abdukodir Khusanov, endured a baptism of fire in his Premier League debut against Chelsea. The 20-year-old Uzbekistan international, thrown in at the deep end due to injuries, was at fault for Chelsea’s opening goal and looked overwhelmed in the early stages at the Etihad Stadium.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola backed his young defender to bounce back stronger, insisting “he will learn” from the chastening experience. Guardiola said:
Well, what I thought is not the best start, right? He will take a lesson. Dealing with [Nicolas] Jackson, with [Cole] Palmer, with all these incredible players is not easy. He will learn. He’s young, he will learn, I’m pretty sure.
– Pep Guardiola
Nightmare Start for Khusanov
Khusanov, signed as cover for the injured Rúben Dias and Nathan Aké, gifted Chelsea the lead inside three minutes. His misplaced pass was intercepted by Nicolas Jackson, who squared for Cole Palmer to fire home. One minute later, the defender picked up a booking for a clumsy challenge on Palmer.
The Uzbek international looked shaky and off the pace before being substituted early in the second half. It was a harsh Premier League introduction for a player who had been impressing in Ligue 1 with Lens.
Guardiola’s Defensive Dilemma
With Dias and Aké sidelined, and Khusanov struggling, Guardiola faces some tough selection calls for the crunch Champions League tie against Club Brugge. John Stones, only fit enough for the bench against Chelsea, may need to be pressed into action.
I have to learn Russian or Uzbek to communicate with him [Khusanov]. He doesn’t speak fluently in English. I need John [Stones] for Wednesday.
– Pep Guardiola
City’s defensive crisis has come at the worst possible time as they battle for Premier League and Champions League success. Much may depend on how quickly Khusanov can adapt to the intensity and ruthlessness of English football.
The Road Ahead for Khusanov
For Abdukodir Khusanov, the Chelsea match is sure to be a steep learning curve. The first Uzbek player in the Premier League, he carries the hopes of a nation on his young shoulders.
At Lens, he emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most promising defensive prospects. The £33.6m fee reflects his potential. Now he must prove he can cut it at the very highest level with Manchester City.
- Positives: Highly rated, comfortable on the ball, strong tackler
- Concerns: Inexperience, language barrier, positional lapses
In the coming weeks and months, Khusanov will need to work relentlessly on the training ground to eradicate the mistakes that marred his debut. With support from Guardiola and his City teammates, he has every chance of establishing himself as a Premier League star of the future.
