The past week for Manchester City has shown there is no need for the Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish debate. In City’s past two wins against Manchester United and Bournemouth, each player has shown their quality. Pep Guardiola’s side is blessed to have both in their squad.
In yesterday’s win over Bournemouth, all of Doku’s attributes were on display. His ability to beat a man was on show as was his playmaking ability. Doku tormented the Cherries defence all game in a man-of-the-match performance. He scored one and provided four assists in the best performance of his City career thus far. Doku’s assist for Bernardo Silva to add City’s second of the 6-1 win was the Belgian international at his best. Chris Mepham never stood a chance as Doku turned him inside and out before putting the ball on a platter for Bernardo to slot home.
For the Manchester derby, Jack Grealish was preferred on City’s left-hand side. The England international was at his best as City dominated their local rivals in a 3-nil win. Grealish’s performance was his best of the season as he and Bernardo Silva tore through the United defence. Their link-up play was on full display for Erling Haaland’s second goal of the derby. Over 90 minutes the importance of the former Aston Villa man to Pep Guardiola’s side stood out in the win.
Needs will dictate whether Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish start on the champion’s left wing. Against teams that sit back like Bournemouth Doku’s ability to beat a man and create is a crucial weapon. The strengths of Grealish with his ability to retain possession and create are vital against teams that provide a threat on the counter.
Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish is a needless debate, City are blessed to have both.
