Jeremy Doku’s performance in Manchester City’s latest 2-0 win against Chelsea seemed to split opinion.
Craig Burley criticised Doku’s display as he feels the young winger still lacks the required level of end product in his game.
However, Gary Neville lauded Doku for how excellent he is at holding on to the ball.
Pep Guardiola was seemingly content with the 22-year-old’s showing as he played throughout the contest at Stamford Bridge.
Despite Jack Grealish being on the bench, Doku was given the opportunity to stay on the pitch and help Manchester City get over the line against Chelsea.
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Impressive Doku stat shares unique feat for Man City against Chelsea
The £50,000-a-week man initially struggled when deployed on the right-wing — a position he has rarely played in since his move to City last year.
Even thought the Belgian international was largely a right-winger at Rennes, his showing against Chelsea was another indicator that it is on the left-wing where he seems far more at ease.
After being pocketed by Malo Gusto during the Sky Blues’ 1-1 draw against the Blues, the Premier League champion exacted revenge in his latest meeting with the Frenchman.
So much so that WhoScored.com have revealed that no player completed more successful dribbles (six) over the opening weekend of football than Doku in Europe’s top five leagues.
Jeremy Doku must improve his decision-making in the final third
Doku was lively against Chelsea and the aforementioned statistic is further proof of how outstanding a dribbler he is.
However, there were moments where the Antwerp-born winger’s decision-making against Enzo Maresca’s side left a lot to be desired.
For instance, in the first-half, Doku had the chance to play Erling Haaland clean through on goal after Savinho played an incisive pass in his direction.
But the youngster took far too much time to make up his time and eventually, his pass was intercepted.
Similarly, after Doku danced past a series of Chelsea’s players on the left flank, he had the chance to shoot and add to City’s goal tally but instead, he played a pass that was cut out.
Once the speedster polishes this aspect of his game, it seems indisputable that he will become a force to be reckoned with.
