Jeremy Doku is probably one of the most exciting players on the books at Manchester City right now.
The winger is now into his second season with the club, after sealing a £55 million transfer from Rennes last summer.
The livewire has established a reputation for being a player who provides explosiveness and unpredictability, and someone who can get fans out of their chairs.
At times, Doku is a breath of fresh air.
Bernardo Silva and Jack Grealish were mainly used on the wings before his arrival and are more technical players, offering control and ball retention.
But Doku is quite the opposite, with his ability to get away from defenders quickly a joy to watch.
His speed and dribbling are very dangerous weapons. But Doku himself believes he actually has one attribute that’s even stronger than these things.
Jeremy Doku says his mentality is his key attribute
Given the way he plays, most Manchester City fans would assume that Doku would say his speed or dribbling – or a combination of the two – would be his biggest strength.
But Doku believes that his mentality is actually his top attribute.
He told the official Manchester City website: “The mentality.
“Since I am young, I always want to be the best. When I don’t play well, whether I score or we win but I didn’t play well, I would be the first to say I didn’t play my best.
“After a game, I know myself well and how to criticise myself. That mentality really helps me.
“When I was 16 and making my debut I didn’t think that I’d made it, I wanted to make the next step every time.
“I wanted to be involved every game, then start every game, then make an important contribution in every game.”
Doku looking good for Man City
Having had one full season under his belt, 2024/25 could be an exciting term for Doku.
He knows the score now in English football, and he knows how this City team plays under Pep Guardiola. He should therefore be looking to improve on the 18-goal contributions he made last season.
And there is no reason why Doku cannot do that.
| Jeremy Doku for Man City (all competitions) |
| Appearances – 53 |
| Goals – 8 |
| Assists – 12 |
Paul Dickov described Doku as a ‘game-changer’ at the weekend, and it’s hard to argue against that. His goal against Fulham was superb, and City may well have dropped points had it not been for his lively cameo.
He was also very lively against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, with TNT commentator Ally McCoist branding Doku ‘absolutely terrifying’.
With three goal involvements in 10 games so far, it has certainly been an encouraging start.
He’s in a good way right now and that is important. Competition is so tough at City and Doku will be acutely aware that Oscar Bobb will be returning from injury at the end of the year.
So these are crucial moments now, as he seeks to gain prominence.
