Abdukodir Khusanov is very close to being a new Manchester City player. He is no longer hiding it, not even his coach at Lens, Will Still, who said at a press conference that “we know that there are negotiations underway, things are moving forward, we are not fooled.” The Uzbek began to be mentioned a few days ago for the Premier League champion and was also linked to Real Madrid. The English club has moved quickly to try to tie up the young centre-back, who has only played a handful of games in Ligue 1 but has gone from costing Lens 100,000 euros a year ago to now wanting to sell him for around 50 million.
In his first season, Khusanov made 16 appearances for Lens in all competitions. However, this campaign he has taken a step forward, playing all but two, who were lost due to suspension, becoming a pillar for his team.
What does Khusanov have that makes City want him?
This is the big question. Surely, look to have a central defender for the future. However, it is surprising that City have decided to undertake his signing so quickly. And not because he doesn’t have a level, because he has it, but because looking at his playing characteristics, he doesn’t quite match the style of the ‘citizen’ team, unless the Santpedor coach’s idea of the future is to give a twist to his philosophy.
So far, Guardiola bases his playing style on possession, meticulous construction from the back and absolute control of the pace of the match. Defenders in this system have key responsibilities in generating offensive play and maintaining possession under pressure. Khusanov has some of these things, but not all. He could fit into the Spanish coach’s system if he is used in a role that does not depend excessively on his offensive actions.
Abdukodir KhusanovDRIBLAB Performance
It is true that his precision in passing and his ability to win aerial duels make him suitable for the style of possession and control that City demands, especially if he plays as a central defender or defensive midfielder. His overall pass completion percentage is high, reaching up to 96.2% in specific games, with an average of 86.3% this season. This is excellent for a defender, especially in a possession-first team like Manchester City.
Furthermore, in high-pressure situations, he is 100% effective in passing, which demonstrates his composure. In key matches, he made up to 16 passes that broke defensive lines, which is remarkable for a central defender. He is able to overcome rival lines with his passes (23 of them surpassed players in one game), showing a good understanding of the game in transition. This ability is valuable in a team that seeks to overcome compact defensive blocks as City often does.
Abdukodir KhusanovDRIBLAB Touch Map
What is missing
However, Guardiola demands from his centre-backs not only safe passes, but also important offensive contributions, such as filtered passes or those that generate expected goals. In this regard, Khusanov is still far from standing out. He would need to improve his ability to create offensive play (xG) to stand out in a system that requires attacking contributions from all lines. Although he sends deep balls occasionally (maximum of 4 in a game), this facet could be improved to complement a more offensive style of play.
In addition, he is not completely reliable in getting the ball out, since he commits almost one dangerous ball loss (less than 40 meters from his goal) every 90 minutes, being in the last car of the center backs in the seven major leagues. (Germany, Spain, France, England, Italy, Portugal and Netherlands). Lack of experience may have a lot to do with this.
Khusanov steals a ball from Achraf HakimiGetty Images
On the other hand, his defensive performance leaves lights and shadows. It is true that in aerial duels he maintains a very high average, winning 70.4% this season, reaching 100% in several games, and that he commits few fouls (1.07 per 90 minutes), but this data does not place him among the best center backs in the seven major leagues.
On the other hand, his success rate in tackles and defensive duels (not aerial) does not make him a dominant or aggressive defender. This can be a problem in defensive transition situations, a part of the game that City’s rivals try to exploit. He should be more consistent in these aspects to fit the standards of an elite team.
Khusanov vs other centre-backsDRIBLAB
Adaptation or change of style?
Khusanov has the potential to integrate into an elite team like Manchester City. He would fit well into Guardiola’s system if he is used as a central defender who supports the build-up from the back, taking advantage of his passing accuracy and ability to break opposing lines. His defensive reliability, ability in aerial duels and composure with the ball would be ideal to complement a more offensive centre-back like Rúben Dias or John Stones.
However, he would need to work on his offensive contribution, particularly in risky progressive passing and xG generation, key aspects in City’s system.
Nowadays, it seems more like a long-term project or a rotation piece, ideal for games where defensive solidity and controlled possession are priorities. His development in offensive creativity would be key to reaching his maximum potential if City does not change its style. Another thing is that Guardiola, who always seeks to evolve, is thinking about something new.
