The 21-year-old has experienced a remarkable rise from playing in Belarus’ top-flight to reaching the Premier League within three years.
A trailblazer for his country, he became the first player from Uzbekistan to feature in England’s top division and will represent his nation at the World Cup in the summer.
He has played 22 times in all competitions for City this season and featured in the impressive victories over Manchester United and Newcastle, as well as Sunday’s comeback win over champions Liverpool at Anfield.
Guardiola enthused about him afterwards, saying “what a game he played” against Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, although he was substituted in the second half after colliding with City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Khusanov’s main asset is his speed – he has clocked 22mph this season, the sixth-highest for a Premier League defender, with Wolves’ Jackson Tchatchoua leading the way on 23.2mph.
With 17 tackles and 18 interceptions this term, Khusanov ranks second for City players on both metrics, having had to step up amid the absence of Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and John Stones at various stages.
Khusanov arrived in Manchester with limited English and when asked about possible language difficulties on Tuesday, Guardiola replied: “He doesn’t speak like William Shakespeare but he’s getting better and better.
“He understands what we want and every time he is getting better. He is so intelligent.”
Khusanov is naturally reserved and instead does his talking on the pitch with a no-nonsense approach.
Such has been the improvement in his form this season that he claimed City’s player of the month award for January.
That said, it is true to say that Khusanov can still cause some nervousness among City fans when in possession, perhaps with flashbacks to his first game.
He is still young and raw, but Guardiola has no doubts about the player’s bright future.
“Normally when a player has physicality, it means he does not have to use the head,” said the Spaniard. “He has both. That’s why on the ball he is getting better and it always encourages me that he will improve.
“I think he can improve – he is always open minded. I have said Manchester City have a player and a central defender for many, many years.”
