Pundit Chris Sutton believes Jack Grealish’s struggles at Manchester City have been in part down to the form of Jeremy Doku.
So far, it has been a frustrating season for Grealish, who was one of City’s key men last season en route to the Treble.
Grealish has made 26 appearances across all competitions so far, for a total of 1549 minutes. this makes him the least-used forward player at City, with the exception of youngster Oscar Bobb.
Grealish has struggled with injuries, and it looks as though he is now set for another spell on the sidelines after he was forced to withdraw early against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday. This, after Nathan Ake had backed the winger to find his mojo again ahead of the game.
But Grealish has also had a tricky season because Jeremy Doku, one of City’s summer signings, has been really impressive playing on the left.
Chris Sutton says Jeremy Doku is ‘not helping’ Jack Grealish’s cause at Manchester City
Sutton was speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast after seeing Grealish go off early against Copenhagen.
He could sympathise with Grealish, having sustained injuries that kept him on the sidelines for long periods during his own playing career.
The former striker spoke about lapsing, and the struggles to build momentum.
But Sutton reckons it isn’t just injuries that are contributing to Grealish’s struggles this season. He said: “There’s no real flow. No rhythm. It’s difficult for him at Manchester City because they are the best team in the land and also he’s got Jeremy Doku, who’s a direct rival.
“He’s not helping Jack Grealish whether you like it or not, because he’s probably the number one there on that left-hand side for City. At this moment in time, Jack is going to have to sit and wait and recover and be ready when he does get the opportunity.
“I know they are different players, but Jack will be desperate to get back as quickly as possible from any injury he has. But then you need time to bed yourself in and get ready again, and that’s been his issue this season really.”
Doku has laid down the gauntlet to Grealish
Grealish has been really unfortunate this term, having gone from key player in a Treble-winning team to physio room occupier and benchwarmer.
You have to feel for him, and hopefully he can come back from his latest setback as soon as possible.
£55 million star Doku has certainly not helped Grealish’s cause this term, with the electric Belgian coming in and really shining on that left side. Even when City are struggling in games, he always looks capable of making something happen, just like he looked against Everton last weekend.
His numbers are better than Grealish’s and while that does not necessarily make him a better option than the England man, it’s hard to argue that Doku isn’t number one in the pecking order for that left wing position right now.
