Rio Ferdinand believes that Pep Guardiola could favour Jack Grealish over Jeremy Doku during the business end of the season.
On FIVE’s official YouTube channel, the pundit made this claim after he was quizzed about whether Grealish’s time at the club looked like it could come to an end due to the Belgian being in red-hot form.
Ever since Jeremy Doku has joined the Sky Blues, Jack Grealish seems to have been subject to tons of stick, with Michael Bridges admitting that the latter’s attacking approach “irritates the hell” out of him.
Rio Ferdinand says Pep Guardiola is likely to opt for Jack Grealish over Jeremy Doku in the business end of the season
While it seemed like the £55.5 million (Sky Sports) man would directly replace Riyad Mahrez on the right flank, he has played a majority of his games on the left and thrived.
Considering Doku has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival, many have started to question Grealish’s place in the side.
But Rio Ferdinand backs Pep Guardiola to opt for Jack Grealish over Jeremy Doku during the most key part of the season.
“Let’s go back to this when it gets to the nitty-gritty. When the trophies are started to being handed out, when the knockout competitions start gathering pace. That’s when you’ll know because I would argue now [if], Pep [Guardiola] would go, ‘Jack, come off the bench and start doing what you’re needed to do.’ Around that time”, Ferdinand told FIVE.
“No disrespect to Doku, he’s been the most direct. I’ll pay to watch him before any winger in the league right now. But I think when the business end of the season comes, I can see Pep going, ‘Doku, you’ve been brilliant up until now. Thank you. Just sit down and watch how it works now.’
Jack Grealish has been there and done that
Rio Ferdinand has a point as Pep Guardiola has witnessed Jack Grealish step up in the biggest of games during Manchester City’s treble-winning season, which gives him an edge over Jeremy Doku.
While the 21-year-old was excellent against Liverpool and has been a revelation so far, the Englishman provides a sense of control with his near-perfect retention of the ball and relentless defensive work; traits that are worth their weight in gold against top opposition.
Considering the Sky Blues may have a more direct approach centrally once Kevin De Bruyne returns, perhaps a less gung-ho option out wide like Jack Grealish could well be preferred over Jeremy Doku as well.
With Doku being benched against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United this campaign already, it would not come as a shock if, especially in Europe, Grealish’s experience is opted for.
