Pep Guardiola has once again expressed his admiration for Abdukodir Khusanov’s performances and potential following the player’s recent contributions to the team.
Since Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias were sidelined with injuries during the match against Chelsea earlier this month, Khusanov has become a regular fixture in Manchester City’s defense. This situation prompted the club to bring back academy graduate Max Alleyne from his loan at Watford in the middle of the season.
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City found their rhythm again with a 2-0 victory over Wolves last weekend and are eager to finish the month strong after a lackluster start to 2026, having secured only three wins in their last eight matches across all competitions.
The acquisition of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace has eased Guardiola’s defensive concerns, with the 25-year-old England international making his Manchester City debut alongside Khusanov at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
During a recent press conference, Guardiola shared his views on Khusanov and reflected on the Uzbekistan international’s progress during his first year in England after joining from RC Lens in January 2025.
“Just look at the media coverage praising Khusanov! They’re spot on! He’s outstanding! We have no complaints and are genuinely happy with him,” Guardiola stated earlier this month.
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Khusanov has had to be patient for playing time this season, as Dias and Gvardiol initially formed the core of Guardiola’s defense in the earlier part of the campaign.
Guardiola continued: “What stands out is how he managed to keep his attitude positive after not playing for a month following the Arsenal match in September 2025. You can’t imagine how he conducted himself in training and in the locker room—that speaks volumes about Khusanov.
“I believe his upbringing from his parents in Uzbekistan, combined with a few months in France, prepared him well for this leap to Manchester City and the Premier League, which is not an easy transition! He listened, he adapted, and his fitness level is remarkable.
“The club has a central defender for many years to come, performing at an elite level. What he will achieve is entirely up to him.”
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Khusanov’s ability to play both as a right-back and a center-back has already proven valuable to Guardiola, and as Manchester City aims for trophies across four competitions in the remainder of the season, the 21-year-old will be crucial to the team’s success in the upcoming months.
After helping his side secure a crucial clean sheet against Wolves, Khusanov is anticipated to keep his starting position in an important UEFA Champions League group-stage match against Galatasaray at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.