What to expect from Jeremy Doku at Manchester City

Rated as one of the most exciting wingers in Europe at the moment, Belgian star Jeremy Doku has completed his high-profile move from Rennes to Manchester City.

The former Anderlecht starlet had been making waves in Ligue 1 and now appears to be ready to make the step up to the Premier League, with a potential debut for the Citizens to come at Sheffield United on Sunday.

What	Sheffiled United v Manchester City
Where	Bramall Lane, Sheffield
When	14:00, Sunday 27th August 2023
How to watch	Sky Sports Main Event
Odds	Sheff Utd 12/1, Draw 7/1, Man City 1/6

Doku can be a Hazard in Premier League

With his direct and attacking style of play, Doku has been likened to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard.

Doku in the past has described his fellow Belgian as his idol and, if he can have a similar impact as Hazard did in the Premier League after his move from Ligue 1, this youngster will be a success in the English top-flight.

Coming from Antwerp, Doku progressed through the ranks of Anderlecht's famous academy system before breaking into the first team in 2018.

The tricky winger, who is capable of playing on both flanks, has not looked back since and soon attracted the interest of Rennes in Ligue 1.

Making waves with his performances in France, while also impressing at the last World Cup in Qatar, a number of clubs were believed to be interested in Doku, but it is City who have won the race.

The lure of playing under manager Pep Guardiola, for a side that last season managed to win the treble of the FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League, is more than understandable.

City are 4/6 to win the Premier League title this season for the fourth consecutive year, while Guardiola’s side are 9/4 to win back-to-back Champions League titles.

Doku in to fill Mahrez void

Riyad Mahrez played a key role in that treble success for City last season and the Algeria international has left big boots to fill following his summer move to Saudi Arabia.

With England’s Jack Grealish making the position on City’s left flank his own, it’s highly likely Doku will feature on the right side.

His ability to cut inside or push down the channel will make him a tough prospect to stop, while Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland will be looking to get on the end of Doku’s crosses.

High praise from Premier League great

When it comes to praise for an attacking player, it doesn’t get much better when it’s uttered by Premier League legend Thierry Henry.

While working with the Belgium national side on the coaching team under Roberto Martinez, Henry got to work closely with Doku.

When asked about the winger’s talents, the now France under-21 boss told Prime Video France: "When you’re one-on-one with him, there’s only one thing left to do - pray."

Doku will be looking to keep defenders in the English top-flight up at night with what he can do with the ball at his feet, starting potentially with a debut appearance against the Blades on Sunday.

City are firm favourites at 1/6 to come out on top in the encounter in South Yorkshire this weekend, which would maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season following wins over Burnley and Newcastle United.

A draw at Bramall Lane is available at 7/1, while the Blades to pull off a shock win over the current European champions is on offer at 12/1.  

Possibly looking to get on the end of a Doku cross, Haaland is 8/13 to score Anytime and add to the two goals he scored in the opening game of the campaign at newly-promoted Burnley.  

Football – Premier League