The Club World Cup could see a young Manchester City centre-back stake his claim for next season | OneFootball

Manchester City is heading to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup to win the tournament. That is the club’s goal ahead of the month-long tournament in the United States. Outside of winning the tournament, the Club World Cup is an opportunity for a host of Manchester City’s players to stake their claim for a prominent role in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season. One such player is Abdukodur Khusanov. If the Uzbek international can impress in the United States, it could establish him as a key component of Manchester City’s squad for next season.

Abdukodur Khusanov will enter the Club World Cup buoyed by international success.

Uzbekistan qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup courtesy of a nil-all draw with the United Arab Emirates. Abdukodur Khusanov played a key role in that particular match for his country. He lined up in the heart of a back three for his country. Khusanov put in a tough performance, which was crucial to Uzbekistan keeping the clean sheet they needed to ensure World Cup qualification. The confidence of helping his nation create history should set Khusanov up well for the Club World Cup.

Abdukodur Khusanov should play a key role for Manchester City in the United States.

Although Manchester City’s goal is to win the Club World Cup, the tournament gives Manchester City’s fringe players an opportunity to impress. Abdukodur Khusanov is one of those. He made 9 appearances for Manchester City after arriving at the club from Lens in January. Khusanov didn’t feature for Pep Guardiola’s side during the latter stages of the 24/25 season. But that isn’t a major cause for concern. He is a young player with much to learn about how to play in a Pep Guardiola team. But the raw tools and talent are there. Khusanov is strong in a challenge,  and he is also exceptionally quick. He reads the game well. In the 9 appearances he made last season, his ability in possession appeared to develop.

The Club World Cup gives Abdukodur Khusanov the opportunity to stake his claim for next season. It allows him to put the lessons he learned during the first six months of his Manchester City career into practice. There is a clear role in Pep Guardiola’s squad for next season for Khusanov. He can make himself a prominent player in the Manchester City squad if he can impress in the United States.

Abdukodur Khusanov has all of the makings of a Manchester City centre-back. The tools and talent are there. The imminent Club World Cup is the ideal opportunity to further impress and stake his claim as a City player. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Khusanov play well in the United States and set himself up for a big 25/26 campaign.