Jeremy Doku: How Good is Man City's New Signing?

Man City have signed a new winger after Mahrez’s departure. But can he become an immediate starter at Etihad?

In a sensational summer transfer deal, Manchester City has secured the services of winger Jeremy Doku from Stade Rennais for a staggering £55.5 million.

With the Premier League giants aiming to reinforce their squad for the new season, football enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement over this high-profile signing. But just how good is Jeremy Doku, and what can Manchester City fans expect from him on the pitch?

An Exciting Prospect

Doku, a 21-year-old prodigious talent, has been turning heads in the football world with his electrifying performances. Renowned football expert Tom Williams lauds Doku as one of the most exciting wingers globally, possessing qualities that align seamlessly with Manchester City’s dynamic playing style. The departure of Riyad Mahrez has left a void in City’s lineup, and Doku’s arrival is poised to restore the directness and explosive flair that the team has been missing.

Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story

With six goals and two assists in 29 appearances last season, Doku’s statistics may not fully reflect his impact on the pitch. However, experts believe that his numbers will surge as he matures and adapts to the Premier League’s competitive nature. Doku’s versatility, agility, and dribbling prowess make him a formidable threat to opposition defenders, and his ability to switch seamlessly between left and right flanks provides an extra layer of tactical flexibility for Pep Guardiola’s team.

Guardiola’s Perfect Match

Guardiola, renowned for his emphasis on dribbling and creative playmaking, has long cherished players like Doku. The Belgian winger’s explosive pace and dribbling skills not only set him apart but also align perfectly with Guardiola’s philosophy of players who can create magic out of thin air. The departure of players like Mahrez and Ilkay Gündogan has left a gap in City’s attacking output, and Doku’s potential contribution could help fill this void.

Adapting to the Premier League

As with any new signing, the question of adaptation arises. While Doku’s pace and agility make him well-suited to the Premier League’s style of play, his transition may require a brief adjustment period. Guardiola’s meticulous approach to integrating new players suggests that Doku might initially feature as an impact substitute before solidifying his place in the starting lineup. His ability to beat defenders on the outside, get to the byline, and deliver precise cutbacks is expected to add a new dimension to City’s attacking strategies.

How will Man City line up with Jeremy Doku

Docu is primarily signed as Mahrez’s replacement after the Algerian star’s move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer. However, his versatility will also provide competition for Jack Grealish on the opposite flank.

Here’s our predicted Man City lineup with Doku as the Citizens’ right winger.

Man City XI: Ederson, R. Dias, J. Gvardiol, K. Walker, N. Ake, Rodri, M. Kovacic, J. Doku, P. Foden, J. Grealish, E. Haaland.

*Kevin De Bruyne’s return from injury to the starting lineup could force Pep Guardiola to bench Foden or Doku.