Despite enduring a nightmarish start to his Manchester City career against Chelsea by virtually gifting Nicolas Jackson an easy goal, Abdukodir Khusanov has largely impressed.
So much so that Pep Guardiola has lauded Khusanov’s character and the manner in which the Uzbek international has bounced back after a rocky debut at the Etihad Stadium is commendable.
As a player, the former RC Lens defender looks tailor-made to thrive in the modern game — blessed with searing pace, technical elegance and a knack for anticipating danger at the back.
No wonder Khusanov kept Alexander Isak quiet last season and he has fared well against top-class forwards while sporting sky blue, including the likes of Vinicius Jr and Luis Diaz.
Abdukodir Khusanov could be upset as his best friend Vitor Reis is open to Girona loan
However, with Khusanov naming Vitor Reis as his best friend at Manchester City, he will be disappointed to hear that the Brazilian is open to joining Girona on loan next season — as reported by journalist Nil Sola.
Girona are believed to be “optimistic” about securing the youngster’s services on a temporary basis in the summer.
While Pep Guardiola joked that he will have to learn Russian or Uzbek to communicate with Abdukodir Khusanov, the fact that no player in the squad can communicate with the 21-year-old can make his adaptation to life in England quite a challenging process
“I have to learn Russian or Uzbek to communicate with him. He doesn’t speak fluently, say English.”
With football being a universal language, Vitor Reis and Khusanov became close friends and Manchester City fans will be hoping that his other teammates also make the youngster feel at home if the former joins Girona on loan.
While Manchester City’s dressing room were frustrated last season, they will be motivated to bounce back in the following campaign and Khusanov is a player who could play a key role in their redemption as the Sky Blues’ defence looks much more solid with his presence at the back.
How Jeremy Doku could make Abdukodir Khusanov feel at home
However, Khusanov will be delighted for Reis as well if he secures a loan move to Girona, giving him the chance to further develop.
But this City side has several senior players such as Rodri, Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland, who will likely go out of their way to make the young centre-back feel at ease behind the scenes.
Jeremy Doku has been helping Manchester City’s signings integrate into their new environment, with the Belgian being multilingual being a key factor behind that being the case.
While Doku cannot communicate with Khusanov, he seems like the kind of character to take the responsibility of going out of his way to make his teammate feel he is in the best head space to perform.
With Pep Guardiola known for being a world-class man manager, it goes without saying that he will ensure Khusanov feels comfortable and motivated behind closed doors.
