Former Manchester City defender Colin Hendry has labeled Abdukodir Khusanov a "special talent" who could eventually draw transfer interest from Real Madrid—praise that speaks volumes about the young Uzbek's rapid ascent in English football.

The 22-year-old has become a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola's backline during the 2025/26 season, stepping up admirably amid injuries to key players. What started as a rotation option after his January 2025 arrival from RC Lens has blossomed into a vital role in City's defensive setup.

With Nathan Aké and John Stones reportedly set to leave Manchester City this summer, Khusanov's importance—both for the club's long-term vision and immediate needs—has only grown. He has helped maintain an impressive Premier League defensive record, fueling City's intense title race with Arsenal.

"I know he made a mistake on his debut against Chelsea, but since then, every time I've seen him, he has been something really special," Hendry told City Xtra on behalf of 10bet. "Manchester City have perhaps been better defensively in previous seasons, but he is someone who can kick on again."

Khusanov's ability to handle the physical demands of English football while maintaining technical composure has led many to view him as the next generational defender. As City trails Arsenal by five points with a game in hand, his reliability and consistency in the final stretch will be under the microscope—and his performances could soon attract Europe's biggest giants.