Talent calendar
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Uzbekistan was one of the big surprises at last year’s U17 World Cup. Not only did they survive the group phase, the team even eliminated co-favorites England (2:1) in the round of 16, and in the quarterfinals they were narrowly defeated by eventual runners-up France (0:1). In the middle of it all: defensive player Azizbek Tulkinbekov, who didn’t miss a minute as a regular and then really got off to a flying start as a record debutant in the Superliga at Bunyodkor Tashkent.
His talent was recognized early on by the scouts of the renowned football school in the capital and so he got into what is probably the best youth academy in the country. Tulkinbekov always stood out, at just 15 years, eight months and 28 days, he celebrated his debut in the Uzbek upper house in November 2022 on the penultimate matchday against FK Kokand 1912 (1-0) – to this day he is the youngest debutant in league history .
My debut was very unexpected.
“My debut was very unexpected. Our first team played in Kokand and because one player had four yellow cards he missed the game. At this point, Ivan Boskovic called the coach of the second team and told me to come to Kokand too. I arrived when the players were already warming up on the pitch and I quickly sat on the bench,” recalls Tulkinbekov in a conversation with journalist Abdulvosit Bektemirov (“Championat.Asia”) conducted for Transfermarkt. In stoppage time, Boskovic called him over. “He trusted me.”
Youngsters like Tulkinbekov continue to represent the change in Uzbek football, which should finally make the dream of participating in the World Cup come true; And we’re actually well on our way to qualifying. Young and promising players get their chance early in the Superliga, and their own offspring are integrated into the team. Teams like Nasaf Qarshi, Pakhtakor Tashkent and Bunyodkor mostly even have self-trained players.
Tulkinbekov kept getting a taste of the pros, got another short stint in 2023 and won a regular place at Bunyodkor after the U17 World Cup. He has also long since moved up to the U20 team, with whom he will fight for a ticket to the World Cup at the Asian Cup in February. Tulkinbekov has even played for the U21s and set another age record.
“Tulkinbekov impresses with his versatility in defense; he can play in the center of defence, on the wings and in midfield, offering his coaches many options,” says Georgiy Lekarev, Area Manager World at Transfermarkt. “But since he doesn’t exactly have the guard size for a central defender, the right position in a three-man chain seems ideal for him.” At 1.81 meters, the Uzbek falls more into the category of Nathan Aké (29), Lisandro Martínez (26) or David Alaba (32).
Tulkinbekov: Young Uzbek players must take the plunge
Tulkinbekov could also make better use of his qualities in a three-man chain or on the wings. “He not only uses his pace and his acceleration in high pressing defensive work, but he also gets involved in the attacks. He likes to march forward with the ball, impresses with his passing game and is an important factor in the build-up game. Tulkinbekov can read the game very well, which benefits his active defensive style in order to be able to apply pressure,” continues TM expert Lekarev. He could still improve his technique, but the overall package is very convincing for the future.
Tulkinbekov himself would like to make the leap into top European football in the future. To do this he has to “work hard and believe in himself. Without belief in your own strength, nothing will work,” he says. You have to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. “Young players have to go to Europe, even if there is an option for a small club, because in Europe the pace and the level of football are different.”
Every day from December 1st to 24th, Transfermarkt will present a talent from the 2007 or 2008 vintage from a different country. Sponsors, data scouts and users act as experts and report interesting facts about 24 young players in our talent calendar who you should keep a close eye on in the future. For example with the TM-Watchlist.
