Jérémy Doku Told Sharper Finishing Can Elevate Him to Winger Elite
Jérémy Doku has been backed to reach elite winger status, but the Manchester City forward has been told that sharper finishing will decide whether he can match the output of the game’s leading wide attackers.
Finishing is Doku’s next test
The Belgium international has built his reputation on explosive one-v-one play, driving at full-backs and carrying the ball rapidly into dangerous areas. His acceleration and close control have made him a major attacking threat for City, but his final numbers remain the key measure of his next step.
Doku has yet to record double figures for goals in a single season. That is the gap he wants to close as he targets the level occupied by Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Bayern Munich forward Díaz, players capable of combining 20-plus goal seasons with significant assist totals.
Doku has made clear that assists are not his concern. He believes more simple finishes could transform his profile, saying he needs to arrive in positions for tap-ins rather than relying on dribbles to create every scoring chance. In his view, even five more close-range goals across a campaign would make a major difference.
He has set his target plainly: add those goals and he believes he can become the best winger in world football.
Guardiola has lifted his level
Former Belgium international Albert believes Doku has always possessed the raw ability required. He recalled that Doku stood out immediately after emerging at Anderlecht, where his talent was obvious from his earliest senior appearances.
Albert said Doku can still overplay at times, taking extra touches when a quicker decision is needed. However, he feels the move to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City has taken the winger to a higher level.
- Doku made his first senior impact with Anderlecht in Belgium.
- Rennes signed him in 2020, and his attacking contribution increased over three seasons in France.
- Manchester City paid £55 million ($74m) to secure his signing.
- After initially competing for starts, Doku earned a more regular City role under Guardiola.
- His next challenge is converting his dribbling threat into consistently higher goal totals.
Belgium place remains under pressure
Doku’s club progress does not guarantee a starting place for Belgium. He returned home for the birth of his child during the World Cup and, after an underwhelming tournament, has faced increased competition following the emergence of one or two players in the national set-up.
Albert nevertheless expects Doku to remain difficult to overlook if he is playing regularly for City and is physically ready.
- Doku’s direct running and low centre of gravity remain his standout attacking weapons.
- City have already won the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Community Shield and FIFA Club World Cup during his time at the club.
- More goals, particularly from close range, are viewed as the quickest route to the next level.
- Regular City form will be vital if he is to reclaim a secure Belgium starting role.
What happens next for City and Doku
Doku’s immediate task is to turn increased involvement under Guardiola into a more ruthless end product. City’s wider uncertainty also remains in the background, with 114 financial charges hanging over the club and suggestions that a severe punishment could include a points deduction and relegation.
No outcome has been confirmed, but the prospect has already prompted talk of where Doku could be playing in 2027. For now, his focus is clear: establish himself as a decisive City starter, improve his scoring return and force his way back into Belgium’s first XI.
