Neil Lennon has heaped praise on Jeremy Doku for his attacking flair but has also been left impressed by an unexpected trait.
Doku has been a revelation since joining Manchester City from Rennes in the summer and has blown teams away with his lightning pace and dazzling skills.
The young winger already has five goals and six assists to his name so far this season and former Blue Lennon has been left very impressed with his attacking prowess.
Neil Lennon praises Jeremy Doku for more than the obvious
However, the ex-Celtic and Bolton Wanderers manager has also moved to praise Doku for his work going in the opposite direction as well.
“It’s something City come up [against] at the Etihad most weeks,” Lennon said on City’s Match Day Live YouTube show, talking about deep defences.
“And what you need is someone who can break the lines or have that bit of individuality and Doku has it in spades.
“Against Burnley here, the right-back had a terrible time against him. He can go on the outside, he can stop and go, or he can push inside and dribble with it.
“He’s an eliminator, you know, and he breaks the sequence of a team and he’s so exciting to watch.
“I’ve been so impressed with him, not only going forward but his work rate against Burnley going back was fabulous to watch.”
A great quality for Jeremy Doku to have
Improving the difficult side of the game is only going to benefit Doku’s career at the Etihad Stadium.
Unlike Jack Grealish, who was commanded to wind in his individuality upon joining City for the better of the team, Doku has almost been given free rein to do as he likes.
The 21-year-old has not had to alter how he plays at all to fit into Pep Guardiola’s system and, as a result, he has brought something different to the side.
A wildcard inventiveness. A spark of creation outside of City’s usual patient attacking patterns.
But, that doesn’t mean he can be shirked of defensive responsibilities completely. For the system to work every piece needs to be operational.
Doku is clearly pulling his weight and if he proves a willingness to learn and improve, he’s only going to get better at City in the years to come.
