Khusanov ‘is a rabbit in the headlights and scared stiff after Man City horrors’
Abdukodir Khusanov has endured a difficult start to his Man City career following his £40million move from Ligue 1 outfit Lens in January.
Initially backed to sure up a back line which has often struggled so far this season, the 20-year-old has struggled to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League.
A nightmare debut against Chelsea saw him gift the visitors the game’s opening goal before almost immediately receiving a yellow card for a rash challenge.
Since then, he has struggled to stamp his mark on Pep Guardiola’s side, and concerns about his performances are continuing to grow.
The centre-back was similarly shaky as City crashed out of the Champions League against Real Madrid, and alarm bells are now ringing at the Etihad.
Now, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has labelled the centre-back “a rabbit in the headlights” and insisted he looks “scared stiff”.
Pep Guardiola ‘made a mistake’ starting Khusanov v Real Madrid
Khusanov lacks the experience usually associated with Guardiola’s signings – despite his 18 senior international caps, he has made just 72 first-team club appearances.
Of those appearances, 37 came in the Belarusian First League, and he still has minimal experience of top-level football which is beginning to show in his City performances.
However, Khusanov has been backed to be a long-term success at the Etihad, as Robinson explained City have invested in his potential rather than immediate results.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Robinson insisted that Guardiola made an error by putting him up against Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
“They paid £40million for him and he looks like a rabbit in headlights,” he told Football Insider.
“His debut wasn’t great, and I’m not sure he’s ever recovered from that.
“I saw him at the Bernabeu up against Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe and he looked completely out of place there.
“I think with Khusanov, you’re buying potential.
“You can see that quality he’s got, and you look at him physically as a player, the way he deals with the ball and reads the game is very good.
“The potential is there, but that’s all it is at the moment, it’s potential.
“Look at where Khusanov was two years ago and it gives you an indication of his rise to playing for Man City against Real Madrid against the likes of Vinicius.
“I thought that was an error from Pep, you don’t put him out there to get exposed.”
Pep Guardiola lines up summer spending spree at Man City
Khusanov was one of four major signings for City in January as they spent £180million to help bolster Guardiola’s side after a turbulent start to the season.
However, there is an expectation that their spending is set to continue in the summer as they continue to eye big-money moves in key areas.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 18 February that Man City will spend big with five big-name transfers lined up.
That comes amid growing speculation over the futures of Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, John Stones, Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne, who has been linked to Saudi Pro League clubs.
For more Man City and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.