Pep Guardiola believes Jérémy Doku has the quality and mentality to establish himself alongside the finest wingers in world football.
The Manchester City manager praised the Belgian after another influential display in Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League victory over Brentford, a performance highlighted by a superb individual goal.
Doku’s latest strike continued an impressive recent run in front of goal. The 23-year-old has now found the net in three successive matches for the first time since arriving at City, having also scored in recent victories against Everton and Southampton.
The winger has often been admired for his pace, direct running and dribbling ability, but questions have occasionally been raised about whether his overall numbers match the impact he creates on the pitch.
Guardiola, however, believes Doku is beginning to add the decisive contributions needed to elevate him into football’s highest bracket.
Asked whether the Belgian could eventually reach the standards set by Real Madrid forward Vinícius and Barcelona teenager Yamal, Guardiola gave an emphatic response.
“Yeah, for sure,” said Guardiola. “And always accept being pushed. Always accept that. And that is so nice. We are really pleased. Now he is winning games. But he has always been really, really good.”
The City manager has consistently defended Doku during periods when the winger’s final product came under scrutiny, arguing that his ability to unsettle defenders and create attacking momentum remained valuable even without regular goals or assists.
Now, with the Belgian producing decisive moments in consecutive matches, Guardiola believes there is visible evidence of the progress being made.
Guardiola says mentality is key to reaching the top
Doku recently admitted that his reputation among the game’s elite wide players may have been affected by not scoring as frequently as some of his rivals in similar positions.
Yet Guardiola insisted technical skill alone is not enough to become one of football’s outstanding attacking players, pointing instead to ambition and mentality as the defining qualities required to reach the very top.
“It depends on your mentality,” said Guardiola. “I want to become one of the best wingers in the world. Otherwise, you’re in a comfort zone and you say, ‘No, it’s fine, it’s fine.’ Always I’ve been, Jeremy, dribbles and whatever. I always try.
“But I say, no, I want to become one of the best of the best. That is when you reach that level.”
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Guardiola’s comments reflect the demanding standards that have shaped City’s success during his time at the club.
The Spaniard has repeatedly challenged his players to avoid complacency, even during periods of dominance in English football.
For Doku, the current run of form represents an encouraging step in his development at the Etihad Stadium. Since joining from Stade Rennais.
The Belgian has shown flashes of brilliance with his explosive acceleration and ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations, though consistency in front of goal has often been viewed as the missing element in his game.
His recent performances suggest that aspect may now be improving at a crucial stage of the campaign.
