Abdukodir Khusanov compared to Manchester City legend “in his prime” by Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has piled on the praise for Abdukodir Khusanov by comparing the Uzbekistan international with one of the club’s greatest-ever defenders.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since his move to the Etihad Stadium from Lens, with his versatility and defensive intelligence catching the eye of Pep Guardiola and supporters alike.

While Manchester City head into the Carabao Cup with plans for heavy rotation this week, Khusanov has been singled out as a player capable of providing reliability across several positions at the back.

Pep Guardiola’s comments arrive at a time when Manchester City have been forced into defensive reshuffles due to injuries and fixture congestion. John Stones has only just returned to action, while Nathan Ake has faced his own questions regarding fitness.

With Pep Guardiola rotating his squad heavily for the trip to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday night, Khusanov has the perfect platform to stake his claim for more regular involvement, should he have recovered from a foot problem sustained against Arsenal.

The Uzbekistan international’s adaptability also strengthens Pep Guardiola’s hand as the club navigate a busy run of games across the Premier League and UEFA Champions League alongside their League Cup commitments.

Khusanov’s ability to cover centrally and on the right mirrors Manchester City’s long-standing reliance on Kyle Walker’s pace and recovery skills up until last season, making Guardiola’s latest comparison particularly telling.

Speaking in the build-up to City’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Huddersfield Town, Pep Guardiola made a bold comparison between Abdukodir Khusanov and Kyle Walker – who left the club for Burnley in the summer.

“He can play as a central defender, all positions at the back, expect left-back. He’s not a player that can create a lot up front, but his side is unbelievably solid and stable,” Guardiola said of the 21-year-old.

“His physicality, backwards [recovery] is like Kyle [Walker] in his prime! He’s incredibly focussed, so young, wants to learn. He’s been really, really good against tough, tough opponents that we faced,” Guardiola continued in glowing praise for Khusanov.

The Manchester City boss added, “His first experience coming from Uzbekistan to French [football], eight games in Ligue 1, after came here in a season that was difficult. When you come and everything is set and clicking, it’s easier to settle.

“But he is incredibly open to learning quick. I think you smell that he is an incredible, top signing for the next many, many years in this club. This guy will make a career in this club for many years!”

The level of praise suggests Abdukodir Khusanov could have a bigger role to play than originally anticipated this season.

With Pep Guardiola already signalling plans to blend Academy talents and graduates into cup line-ups, Khusanov’s maturity and readiness could see him become a mainstay in transitional fixtures.

Longer term, Pep Guardiola’s comments about him being a “top signing for many years” will excite Manchester City supporters, who have seen recent young arrivals and promotions from the Academy set-up like Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis become integral to the squad.