Who is Abdukodir Khusanov, Uzbekistan's young diamond at AFC Asian Cup 2023?

Abdukodir Khusanov currently plays for Ligue 1 side RC Lens.

Abdukodir Khusanov has emerged as a significant talent within the Uzbekistan national team, exhibiting adeptness in safeguarding the defensive line during matches. He commenced his tenure with the team in June 2023, marking his debut for the national squad.

The 19-year-old athlete, hailing from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, has amassed seven caps for the national team. He has also been a prominent figure in the U-23 team, demonstrating his significant contributions, fortified by his international experience with the senior team.

Prior Experience 

The defender hails from a family in which his father, Hikmat Khashimov, has achieved international recognition as a player for Uzbekistan, accumulating 12 caps. Furthermore, Khashimov has briefly served as a coach for FC Bunyodkor, a club in Uzbekistan.

Khusanov currently represents RC Lens, a prominent French club that secured the second position in Ligue 1, narrowly trailing Paris Saint-Germain FC. The player joined the club in July 2023.

Before his stint at Lens FC, Khusanov competed for the Belarusian club Energetik-BGU, participating in 37 matches, scoring four goals, and providing four assists. Additionally, he contributed to the Uzbekistan team’s victory in the 2023 AFC U-20 Asian Cup.

Type of Player

Abdukodir Khusanov generally plays as a Centre-back in the team. His time to time running on the pitch to provide proper help at the final third is another added skill of the young talent. 

The young player has only received one yellow card in his seven appearances for the national team, demonstrating his adeptness at tactical tackling and successful clearances.

In the course of five matches with RC Lens in Ligue 1 this year, he participated in three complete 90-minute matches. During these three matches, his team achieved victory in two games, maintaining clean sheets on both occasions. This is a further demonstration of his formidable presence in the defensive line, greatly contributing to the team’s ability to repel threats from their own end.

What will he bring to the team?

After being recruited by RC Lens, he was hailed as a “Rare Talent from Asia,” a testament to his exceptional skills. He holds the distinction of being the first player from Uzbekistan to join the ranks of the French club. As RC Lens qualified to compete in the UEFA Champions League last year, Khusanov also secured the opportunity to play on the European stage.   

With extensive experience acquired from a young age, Khusanov’s inclusion in the national team fortifies the defensive line. His contribution extends beyond mere support for the backline players, as he will also enhance the team’s tactical approach to the game.

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