The Premier League has seen players from all over the world grace its pitches, with some nations being represented by only one player. Names like Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Armenia, Victor Wanyama from Kenya, Onel Hernandez from Cuba, Junior Firpo from the Dominican Republic, and Jordi Amat from Indonesia stand out as the sole representatives of their countries in the prestigious English top-flight.
Abdokodir Khusanov, a 20-year-old talent from Uzbekistan, recently joined this exclusive group after making a name for himself in Belarus and subsequently moving to France. Born in Tashkent, Khusanov honed his skills at Bunyodkor’s academy before catching the eye of Energetik-BGU, where he quickly established himself as a key player. His performances for both club and country earned him a move to Lens in Ligue 1.
Described as a player with the potential to be elite, Khusanov’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He became the first Uzbek player to feature in Ligue 1 and achieved several milestones as the youngest Uzbek player in various UEFA competitions. His defensive prowess and ability to read the game have made him a standout performer for both Lens and the Uzbek national team.
Despite starting the 2024/25 season on the bench, Khusanov seized his opportunity to shine in Lens’ defense when a teammate was sidelined due to a medical condition. His speed, passing accuracy, and defensive instincts have not gone unnoticed, with Khusanov earning a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the First Half of the season.
His impressive displays attracted interest from top Premier League clubs like Tottenham, Wolves, and Newcastle, but it was Manchester City who secured his services for a significant fee. Joining the reigning Premier League champions presents a new challenge for Khusanov as he aims to continue his development under the guidance of Pep Guardiola.
As Khusanov embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on whether he can help City reverse their recent poor form. With his talent and determination, the young Uzbek defender has the potential to make a significant impact at the highest level of world football. The Premier League awaits the arrival of this promising talent, who has already made a mark as the sole representative of Uzbekistan in the league.
