Across this season, Pep Guardiola has predominantly employed Jeremy Doku on City’s left wing. The Belgian winger has shown his ability in a promising debut season for the world champions. But could he shift to the right wing on occasions during the run home? Doku can play on either wing, and if he does play more on City’s right hand side, could it help provide more service for Erling Haaland?
Manchester City’s 4-1 win at the Etihad over Aston Villa at the beginning of April saw Jeremy Doku line up on the right wing. With Jack Grealish on the left, it gave Pep Guardiola’s side two dangerous options on either wing. During that win, the delivery from both players seemed ideal for Erling Haaland to profit from. While City’s number 9 didn’t feature during that important win, there was a glimpse from Doku out wide on the right that he could help provide the service that Erling Haaland thrives on.
But it’s a lineup that hasn’t been seen since. Jeremy Doku may drift to City’s right-hand side on occasions, but he predominantly plays on the left. He replaced Jack Grealish during City’s midweek penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid and put in an almost match winning cameo on the left wing. But there does seem to be an opportunity to unleash Doku on City’s right-hand side. In turn, it may also provide Erling Haaland the service he needs to return to his goal scoring best.
As it stands, either Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva are preferred on City’s right hand side. Kevin De Bruyne also drifts to the right on occasions with the free role he plays. Bernardo and Foden give Pep Guardiola the control he seeks when in possession on City’s right wing. It does seem that Foden’s future is in a more central role, and playing Doku on the right may also allow Foden to shift centrally.
There does appear at times for a need for Jeremy Doku to play on City’s right wing. It may help unlock the low block that Manchester City has encountered this season. But there could also be other benefits to the move. Foden drifting centrally being one and providing Erling Haaland the service he needs being another. It would also provide City with the option of playing Jack Grealish on one side and Doku on the other and give the world champions two dynamic options on the wings. It is a tantalising option to ponder as Manchester City seeks to claim a fourth consecutive Premier League title and make the FA Cup final this season.
