Unexpected conclusion: Does Fayzullayev need to "escape" from Russia!?

One of the brightest talents of our country, Abbosbek Fayzullayev, is preparing for two important matches in the regional qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup as part of the Uzbekistan national team, while an analytical article about our legionnaire's activities at CSKA was published in the Russian press.

In particular, experts from football24.ru analyzed how the changes implemented by CSKA head coach Marko Nikolich have affected the performance of Abbosbek Fayzullayev, who has been the main leader of the "army men" in the last two seasons.

Does Nikolich not need Fayzullayev?

CSKA has rapidly entered 2025. New stars that emerged during the spring part of the championship have gradually started to push previous leaders into the background. Recently, Abbosbek Fayzullayev, who was considered an irreplaceable player, played only 42 minutes in the last two matches of the Russian Premier League. He was substituted in the 67th minute of the match in St. Petersburg.

This situation raises the question, "Does the Uzbek midfielder no longer need Marko Nikolich?"

Fayzullayev's new role

CSKA's Serbian head coach Nikolich has changed the team's playing scheme as promised. Now the team does not rely on bright wing attackers. Fayzullayev has gained fame precisely for his effective performances in these positions. In the Uzbekistan national team, he also covered both flanks. Abbosbek likes to start attacks from the wing and then move to the center.

Now he needs to abandon the playing style he is accustomed to at CSKA. Nikolich sees the Uzbek legionnaire in the number 8 position. The competition in this area is much more intense compared to the wings. It requires more creativity and problem-solving abilities.

Abbos has previously struggled to show himself in the number 8 position and was returned to the wings.

During the winter training camps, Fayzullayev felt uncomfortable in his new role. The Uzbek footballer has no extra time to adapt to the strict requirements. Moreover, he missed a significant part of the first training camp due to an injury to his back.

Is the situation critical?

During the friendly matches held during the winter training camps, Fayzullayev did not perform well. He wasted many opportunities. He also did not play well defensively. In his new position, Abbos needs to contribute significantly not only near the opponent's penalty area but also in his own team's defensive line.

It should be noted that during the training camp, Fayzullayev had a high-level performance in the friendly match against "Fakel." In that match, he initiated a goal-scoring attack and cut through the defense line of the Voronezh team with a pass.

Then he entered the field in St. Petersburg from the first minutes. We cannot say that Fayzullayev wasted this match, but he also did not showcase his best qualities. He made a mistake in the center during the first attack of the Petersburg team and allowed an opponent to move into free space. Igor Akinfeev saved the goal.

In the attack, he was outplayed by Mantuanga. The Brazilian defender left the Uzbek footballer without the ball. Abbos won only one out of ten duels. His shot went off target. He could not actively assist his teammates. He made three passes around the opponent's penalty area but failed to put any of his teammates in a favorable position. He lost the ball twelve times. As a result, Nikolich substituted him in the 67th minute.

Against "Khimki," Abbos played for 29 minutes. He entered the game well. He initiated an attack from the center of the field aimed at the goal. He also found himself in a position to score. Compared to the match against "Zenit," he was much more active this time. However, he still was not the Fayzullayev everyone is used to seeing. Previously, he would at least deceive an opponent once. Where is that boldness now?

In the match against "Akron" in Samara, Fayzullayev entered the field in the 77th minute and was noticeable with a single shot that went over the goal. Yes, this time he was active in duels, winning three out of four. He intercepted the ball four times. However, his attacking contributions are declining.

Abbosbek has stopped influencing the match. He has lost his leadership role in Nikolich's new scheme. Other players are providing the results.

Competition has intensified

After the winter training sessions, competition for a place in the starting lineup has intensified, especially in the center of the field. There are three contenders for the number 8 position – Abbosbek Fayzullayev, Matvey Kislyak, and Kristiyan Bistrovich. It is quite challenging for Abbos to compete with these players. The Uzbek legionnaire has not played in the center of the field before, while Kislyak and Bistrovich are already established players in the anchor zone. If Sasha Zdelar had not left the team, Abbos's situation would have been even more difficult.

Bistrovich is stronger than Fayzullayev in duels. In the last two matches, the Croatian player engaged in seven duels, losing only two to the opponent. He plays much better defensively than Abbos. He has provided four more passes to the attacking line than the Uzbek footballer. He has also taken more shots on goal.

There is no need to describe Kislyak. He has shown that he can play effectively in several positions. Therefore, it is hard to envy Fayzullayev's situation at CSKA.

What will happen in the end?

In the winter, Abbosbek expressed his dream of playing in Europe. He mentioned the example of Abduqodir Husanov's transfer to "Manchester City." Therefore, the Uzbek footballer is unlikely to accept becoming a bench player. It is clear that he will try to seize every opportunity.

Fayzullayev remains a versatile player and one of CSKA's main assets. The footballer, who came to Moscow for 500 thousand euros, has seen his transfer value rise to 8 million euros. His remaining on the bench raises serious questions for Marko Nikolich. Keeping one of the main stars of CSKA on the bench brings no benefit.

Is it possible that the time has come for Fayzullayev to leave? A year ago, a player who caught the attention of "Bayern" is now waiting for a spot on CSKA's bench. Does Fayzullayev really need to 'escape' from Russia?