Manchester City have placed no restrictions on how Jeremy Doku is to play. The Belgian winger put in another good performance in City’s 1-all draw with Liverpool. He completed 11 dribbles against Jurgen Klopp’s side which is the most in a Premier League game since September 2021.
Bernardo Silva has told the media that there are no limitations on how Doku is to play. He believes if there were it would change how the winger plays. Bernardo said: “You cannot give him limitations – otherwise he loses his magic. We have to let him be himself and do his thing, whilst knowing he has a responsibility to help us when he doesn’t have the ball – but I think he’s been doing really well.”
City’s Portuguese midfielder also pointed out how Manchester City have changed the way they play so far this season. Last season saw the treble winners focus on control of the game en route to the treble. This season has seen City be more attacking when in possession. He added: “Last season for the most part I was playing on the right and Jack on the left. We are a bit more controlled, not as direct. It gives you more on one v ones, in counter attacks but also you lose a bit of control of the game, so sometimes it’s good and sometimes not.”
With long-term injuries to Kevin De Bruyne and John Stones, it has forced Pep Guardiola to change how Manchester City play. The departures of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez are also another factor in City’s tactical change for this season.
The tactical shift has aided Jeremy Doku in settling into the City squad. It has allowed him to face more one-on-one situations and use his main attributes. While Doku has made a good start to his City career he is still far from the finished product. Early signs are that he will be a special player for City as he develops his game.
