Sheikh Scouts: Jérémy Doku

Back with a new installment of ’Sheikh Scouts’, our scouting series and this time we’ve invited inaugural Man City International member Matt Ryan to take a deep dive into the newest player we’ve been linked with. 

A highly promising young footballer, Jérémy Doku oozes potential. A Belgian born on May 27, 2002, Doku is known for his quick, nimble footwork and explosive speed, which makes him an enticing option for the glaring hole in Manchester City’s squad, post Riyad Mahrez departure. Currently at French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais FC as a winger, Doku’s professional career began at Anderlecht, one of Belgium’s most storied clubs, where he broke into the first team at a mere 16 years old. He has since appeared on the Belgian U-15, U-17, and U-18 national teams and in June 2020, he was first called up to the Belgian senior national team, making him the youngest player to ever receive a call-up. He is widely considered one of the top young players in Europe. Recommended to Guardiola by his countryman and City talisman Kevin De Bruyne, Doku made waves at KDB’s annual charity competition in Belgium, becoming the top scorer in 2017. 

Despite being only 5’7” tall, Doku compensates for his lack of height with his insane technical skills, lightning fast agility, and impressive lower body strength. His acceleration, coupled with his close ball control, allow him to breeze past opponents effortlessly, often leaving them in crumped heaps and tangled legs. He is not prone to being outmuscled on the ball and has shown a willingness to engage physically, often bouncing off players and taking them by surprise with his aggressiveness and physical strength. He’s known for his ability to change directions quickly and take on defenders one-on-one.  He is also an accomplished passer and finisher, capable of assisting or burying shots from all angles due to his ambipedal ability. His low center of gravity and quick feet make him a difficult player to defend against, often leaving defenders in his wake and beating them off the mark. This level of rare explosiveness cannot be coached. It’s obvious to us that Jérémy Doku has a bright future as a player and his combination of raw talent, hard work, and a positive attitude makes him one of the top players in his generation. His long-term success will, however, depend on continued development and consistency at (potentially) City. 

So the most important question we wanted to address: How does Doku fit into Manchester City?

Despite Pep’s well-known recent tendency to opt against pacey wingers, a player like Jérémy Doku profiles well in Pep Guardiola’s system due to his unique profile. During his tenure at Manchester City, Guardiola has placed a high emphasis on possession and high-pressing play, which could suit Doku’s strengths.

There are several reasons for this:

• High Pressing: Doku’s pace and energy make him an excellent fit for a high-pressing system. Guardiola demands his wingers to press high and win the ball back quickly, something Doku could excel at.
• Quick, technical play: Guardiola’s system often requires quick, intricate play in tight spaces. Doku’s agility, dribbling skills, and swift feet could help in these situations.
• Versatility: Doku can play as a winger on both sides of the pitch, which fits well with Guardiola’s fluid, interchangeable lineup.
• Potential: Guardiola nurtures young talent and helps them reach their full potential. Under his guidance, Doku could improve aspects of his game such as decision making and end product.
• Attacking Mindset: Doku’s attacking mindset aligns with Guardiola’s philosophy. He’s a forward-thinking player who loves to take on defenders and create chances, which is a key characteristic of players on a Guardiola-managed team.

However, it’s imperative to remember that joining a team with Manchester City’s quality and depth could present a challenge in terms of regular playing time. This is crucial for Doku’s development at this stage of his career. Overall, with the right guidance and continued development, Doku could thrive under Pep Guardiola’s system. While the positives are many, we believe it’s also pertinent to shed light on what we see as potential negative aspects, which we’ve listed below. 

• Limited Playing Time: Manchester City has a star-studded lineup with world-class players. Doku may struggle to get regular playing time, which could hinder his development. He would compete with established stars like Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, and Phil Foden to play on either side of the wing. 
•  Injury Risk: With the increased competition for playing time, Doku may risk injury due to fatigue or overtraining. There are some concerns with his fitness levels, with a spotty injury history a potential red flag. 
• High pressure: Manchester City’s pressure and expectation level is incredibly high. This could be a challenging environment for a young player like Doku, potentially affecting his confidence and performance. Jumping from Ligue 1 to the European champions is a massive adjustment. 
• Tactical Adaptation: While his attacking instincts and speed would be an asset, Doku will need time to adapt to Guardiola’s complex tactical demands. Physical speed is one thing - mental speed is another. This is where the truly elite players set themselves apart. They play fast, think fast, and execute with lightning speed. 
• Over-reliance on pace: Doku faces a similar conundrum that several young, pacey players do. Against inferior competition, their explosiveness routinely shines. Doku has shown a tendency to stick to what works, utilizing the start-top, outside chop to lower his shoulder and beat his defender with pace. He will need to learn to disguise his movements better, utilizing feints and his intelligence as opposed to his physical gifts if he is to become a truly efficient and reliable City player. 

There’s plenty to like about Doku and the positives are enough to make us excited about seeing some pace and trickery back on the wings at the Etihad. However, like any young transfer target, concerns of adaptability are valid, with Doku still quite raw and with much room for improvement and development. We might be biased but we feel if City decide to sign him, this is the best place for him to truly reach his potential and we’d welcome him with open arms.

Some player comps are: Raheem Sterling and Xherdan Shaqiri

Written by: Matty 

Edited by: Sheikh