People have had a lot to say about Abdukodir Khusanov following his move to Manchester City – and pundit Roy Keane has now given his verdict on the January signing.
Abdukodir Khusanov joined City from Lens just over two months ago, and has rather been thrown in at the deep end.
Pep Guardiola has had a number of injuries to contend with this season, especially to defenders.
Currently, Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Nathan Ake are all sidelined.
That has meant a fairly heavy introduction for 21-year-old Khusanov – but the Uzbekistan international has made a good impression.
After a torrid debut against Chelsea he has recovered well, and in Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final, he made his ninth appearance for the club
And ahead of that game, Roy Keane gave some thoughts about Khusanov and made a very assured prediction.
Roy Keane in no doubt about Abdukodir Khusanov
Khusanov played as the right centre-back against Bournemouth, with Matheus Nunes playing at right-back.
It was perhaps not one of his better outings for City, and he actually went off at half-time after picking up a harsh yellow card. That change ultimately helped City turn the game around, with Nico O’Reilly shining.
But poor displays really have been few and far between for Khusanov, who won City’s Player of the Month award for February, and Roy Keane sang his praises before Saturday’s game with the Cherries.
He said on ITV: “Yeah I think so (he’s settled down since his debut). I think it’s always tough for a player coming in. It’s been well documented, new country, trying to learn the language, getting used to partnerships around him.
“But I think he’ll be fine. Obviously he’s had a tough start but that’s the challenge he faces.
“I think we shouldn’t underestimate when you’re a defender trying to strike up a relationship or partnership, and missing Rodri in front of him – he’s definitely been a big loss.
“But I think he’ll be fine, he’s a good player. It takes time to settle in, he’s going to be a top play for Man City, no doubt about it.”
Khusanov has ‘special quality’
Khusanov also came in for high praise from Pep Guardiola ahead of Saturday’s game.
The Spaniard spoke of his delight about the youngster, saying: “It was not expected to play as much games but the situation that we have in the back-four all season made him play a lot of games.
“He has special quality, that’s for sure. Really, really special ones; he’s so fast, brings his passion, even his face I see sometimes and body language doesn’t show but his passion in many, many actions. And we are delighted in a short time, without training and many, many things. He has helped us a lot!”
It was never going to be easy for Khusnov coming to City midway through the season.
And not just any season, but one of City’s worst in years, where a lot of players have been struggling.
But as Keane has said, he is a good player and this period will only stand him in good stead ahead of next term.
