In our view, the prospect of starting Manchester City sensation Jeremy Doku against Chelsea should be a no-brainer for Pep Guardiola.
Since signing for City in the summer for a £55.5 million (The Athletic) fee, the Belgian international has been a revelation.
Considering Jeremy Doku has been benched against “Big Six” sides like Arsenal and Manchester United this season, it is high time that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gives him a go from the off against Chelsea.
Why starting Jeremy Doku for Manchester City against Chelsea should be a no-brainer for Pep Guardiola
Against the Gunners and United, one can understand why the Catalan tactician favoured Phil Foden and Jack Grealish on the left flank respectively over the 21-year-old.
Foden and Grealish simply have a lot more experience in comparison to the highly-rated speedster when it comes to striking a balance between ball retention and being decisive in the final third.
Considering the former Rennes winger has a tendency to constantly take on his man, the threat of the Sky Blues ceding possession on far too many occasions loomed in games that demanded control.
But unlike Arsenal, who would likely regain the ball and dictate proceedings as well as Manchester United, who are at their best on the break, the same cannot be said for Chelsea, which makes it an easy decision for Pep Guardiola to field Manchester City wideman Jeremy Doku from the get-go on Sunday.
While Mauricio Pochettino’s side has shown glimpses of progression this season, they are yet to find their feet going forward.
As was exemplified in their recent 4-1 victory against a nine-man Tottenham Hotspur side, they tend to struggle to kill teams off, whilst also being relatively open at the back.
In a contest like this, Pep Guardiola can afford to throw caution to the wind and allow Jeremy Doku to do what he does best for Manchester City, who travel to Stamford Bridge to lock horns against Chelsea on Sunday.
If the Blues decide to set up in a low-block, the youngster has proven that he is arguably City’s best winger against such sides due to his exceptional dribbling ability, astute decision-making and raw pace.
While if Jeremy Doku, recently branded as ‘clever’ by Chris Sutton struggles to retain possession in West London, it may not cost the treble-winners as much as expected.
So far this season, the hosts have simply lacked the decisiveness in their attack to take advantage of counter-attacking situations as well.
It is worth emphasising that while Manchester City technician Jeremy Doku has shown Pep Guardiola and his staff that he is one hell of a talent, playing in a big game against a club of the stature of Chelsea is the true test of any player.
Considering they remain a work-in-progress under Mauricio Pochettino, now is the best time to give Doku a taste of what it is like to go toe-to-toe against one of England’s most decorated sides.
