Riyad Mahrez left Manchester City after a successful 2022–23 season. He was one of the most technically gifted players and showed his worth after making his move from Leicester City. His departure to the Saudi Pro League left a hole in the English champions’ team. Cole Palmer was an option, but the player is young, and Pep was hesitant to rely on him for the entire season. Palmer also left the club on deadline day after Chelsea came in with a massive offer.
Before Palmer’s departure, City had already signed a winger. Jeremy Doku was their final signing of the summer transfer window in 2023. Known for his pace and dribbling, Doku was signed to add a bit of spark to Pep’s championship team. Here is a look at what this Belgian winger can add to the treble winners from last season.
Prolific dribbler
Pep Guardiola’s team is not based on individual players. All the players on the team are good with the ball. The Spanish manager demands a quick pass release from his players. They keep the ball and look for spaces to break the opposition’s defence.
Jeremy Doku is a player who likes to run at the opposition’s defence. He is quick with the ball at his feet and made 102 progressive runs for Rennes in 2022–23. His biggest ability is to dribble past players, and Doku enjoyed a 67% dribble success rate last season. The Belgian can play on both flanks, and that adds more versatility to City’s attack.
End product
The 21-year-old Belgian sensation scored six goals for the French club in 2022-23. Doku’s ability to dribble past the players allows him to make space for himself to shoot the ball. He attempted 35 shots and had an accuracy rate of 34.3%. The player scored his first goal of the 2023-24 season for Rennes, before his move to England. Pep will expect his winger to be more clinical.
Jeremy Doku created three goals for his teammates last season. He likes to stretch the opposition defence and attempt a few low crosses and cut-backs, just what Erling Haaland wants. The player has the ability to deliver such passes on the edge of the six-yard box, and that makes him a big asset on the team.
Debut for Manchester City
Jeremy Doku had an impressive debut for his new club just before the international break. The Belgian attempted seven successful dribbles and played on both flanks. His defensive work rate was also high, as Doku managed to make four interceptions and six recoveries. Manchester City fans will expect a goal contribution in the matches after the international break.
What does Doku offer different from Mahrez?
Riyad Mahrez was one of the most skilled players in Premier League history. Replacing him is not an easy task. The above viz compares the percentile ranks of both players from last season in their respective leagues.
The Algerian was more dominant than the Belgian in attack and in his passing abilities. Doku edged him in defensive and dribbling abilities. The Belgian is still young and has a lot to learn. He is now under the coaching of one of the best football coaches in the world. Manchester City will expect their winger to contribute more in their three title defences.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine
