How Abdukodir Khusanov Performed During Man City 0-2 Liverpool

Before Manchester City’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening, Pep Guardiola underlined the club’s early transition period. However, while the reigning champions’ performance revealed that they still had a long way to go before adjustments result in real progress, Abdukodir Khusanov’s performance stood out as a solid foundation for the club’s future.

The Uzbekistan international was a rock at the back, and while his teammates put in shifts that mirrored the dreary skies above them in the northwest, the 20-year-old was a breath of fresh air, working tirelessly to keep the current Premier League leaders and seemingly destined champions from running away with a scoreline reminiscent of the one City endured against Arsenal just a few weeks ago.

Though Khusanov made a shaky debut against Chelsea following his £33 million signing from Lens in January, he is now proving he has the ability to lead City into a new era, and he might well be the person around whom his manager builds the rest of his defence in the summer.

Khusanov’s ‘Wonderful’ Performance Against Liverpool

No player regained possession more times in the Premier League over the weekend

The buildup to Sunday’s match between the two most successful English clubs of the last decade focused on Mohamed Salah’s ability to take advantage of Khusanov’s defensive inexperience. While the Egyptian did score and assist, ostensibly bolstering this tale, it was not the 20-year-old who proved to be City’s Achilles’ heel.

In fact, Khusanov stood out in an otherwise poor defence. After playing the entire game, he had a remarkable 98% pass completion rate, produced a scoring opportunity, made nine passes into the final third, successfully completed his single tackle attempt, made six clearances, retrieved possession 12 times, and performed one last-man tackle.

No player won possession on more occasions than Abdukodir Khusanov in the Premier League this gameweek (12).

A bright spark on a not-so-bright day for Manchester City. 👏 pic.twitter.com/YBjO7Q1wct

— Squawka (@Squawka) February 23, 2025

Khusanov’s numbers stood in stark contrast to those of Nathan Ake. While the Dutchman looked at ease on the ball, his off-field performance revealed how City struggled to contain Liverpool’s strikers. During his 77-minute cameo, the 30-year-old made no tackles, lost one contested battle, and recovered only twice.

Khusanov Can Be A Bedrock Layer In City’s Defensive Reshuffle.
He might be the hub around which the rest of the defence revolves.

This season, Manchester City has clearly become victims of their own success. It’s also clear that a squad refresh is required for them to recover their grandeur from less than a year ago. Indeed, signing Omar Marmoush during the January transfer window could be a wonderful decision that boosts the team’s inventiveness. However, it appears increasingly likely that Khusanov will emerge as a significant role in defence going ahead.

Since Vincent Kompany’s departure in 2019, City’s defenders have received a lot of criticism, but their latest Uzbekistan signing may hold the key to solving their defensive problems. This attitude is shared by the Etihad faithful, as public opinion has moved considerably in his favour after just two games following a dismal debut against Chelsea.

“He’ll be one of the first names on the teamsheet by next season,” one user on X wrote. Meanwhile, a second commented: “One absolute positive from today is that Khusanov is one hell of a defender, and he is only 20 years old.” I believe we’ve discovered one,” and a third added:

“I thought Khusanov played brilliantly from the ground today. I want to rewatch his game, but there are numerous examples of excellent recovery defence. That backline seemed like it had a leader, which surprised me. In possession, positive, and eager to make runs in the last third.”

Khusanov has seen enough of our defence to know that was a certain goal… so he took matters into his own hands 👏🏽pic.twitter.com/D5nfO6oCLp

— LB✌🏽 (@Londonblue_2) February 23, 2025

A fourth compliment added: “Look at him; he’s mint. I can see him being captain once some of the current leaders retire or leave the club.” A fifth stated, “Khusanov is a great passer, far better than I expected. Seriously, his passing is orderly, precise, and measured. Furthermore, he is a true dueller, excelling against runners and performing admirably in recoveries. “We have a player in him.”

Manchester City is no longer in contention for the League Cup or the Champions League with their early exits, but they are still competing for a top-four finish in the Premier League and are one of the few major names left in the FA Cup draw. Whether Ruben Dias, Nathan Ake, or Manuel Akanji start in the heart of defence, it appears like Khusanov will be paired with one of them as Guardiola and his club look to win some silverware before the season ends.