11 | Jeremy Doku - 2024/25

[sir baconface]

Doku is in fact a problem.

When Doku starts, he is taking the place of a potentially good winger who, in Doku's place, would have assisted more and scored more. Doku is squad-player-level currently - and when we start him against top sides, we're starting a squad player against better opposition - disadvantage City.

Like who? Nobody in our squad.

I guess some prefer slow, sterile, no-risk, football. And wingers who don’t need a defender marking them, let alone two.

You’ll be eating your words in 12 months time.

 

[super_city_si]

We don't press for shit which means the opposition gets a high quality shot at our goal where as the opposition presses and puts 11 behind the ball!

Been a big part of our recent troubles. Press has been a disaster

 

[It'sBlue93:20]

Been a big part of our recent troubles. Press has been a disaster

Mahrez was never a great presser either. We need to be stronger in the press as a collective.

We offer much more threat from the flanks with Doku and Savinho. I would like to see the back post goals coming back like Sane and Sterling used to get.

 

[GaudinoMotors]

I totally disgaree. Even against better opposition he gives them something to think about.

Is it - "what shall I do with the ball now I've got it? "

I go back to our signing of him being a major moment in that it set back Grealish's development and confidence just as he was on a high. It changed the treble winning tactics and strategy totally. There were other priorities we failed to address. We went from controlled possession, probing and tiring the opposition out to relinquishing possession and open games with little control
He's obviously a v good player and yes we get the odd/rare bit of old fashioned exciting wing play - but at a cost.
I can only think Pep wanted to try something totally new and a challenge - a move away from the set up that was dominating World football.

 

[Blue_Lightsaber]

Doku might not be a goal scorer but it's next to impossible to get the ball off him.

Maybe Pep will make it work with Doku in the center and Nunes out wide.

Nunes still gets the benefit of the doubt vs say Grealish who's had 2 good months in what 4 years here?

 

[It'sBlue93:20]

Been a big part of our recent troubles. Press has been a disaster

He’s been injured so the last few games cannot be down to Doku. He made an impact at Bournemouth and missed the others.

 

[Blue-Ghana]

Doku might not be a goal scorer but it's next to impossible to get the ball off him.

Maybe Pep will make it work with Doku in the center and Nunes out wide.

Nunes still gets the benefit of the doubt vs say Grealish who's had 2 good months in what 4 years here?

Stats can be misleading -He completed 3rd most dribbles in any European league ,Messi and Vinicius were top 2 the season before we signed him ,yet that has not translated to assists .

 

[franksinatra]

Still think this lad has a lot to offer. Got all the raw materials you want in a winger. I just hope he can stay injury free and we can maximise his potential as his skillset is quite unique.

 

[pee dubya]

Why's he getting slagged off in this thread when he's barely kicked a ball for a month?

Coincidentally the period within which our form has dropped off a cliff.

I'm obviously not claiming it's down to him being out, but he definitely worries opposition defences.

 

[sir baconface]

Stats can be misleading -He completed 3rd most dribbles in any European league ,Messi and Vinicius were top 2 the season before we signed him ,yet that has not translated to assists .

Partly because only Haaland of our forwards/advanced midfield has proved willing or capable of hitting the proverbial cow’s arse. Virtually everyone else will turn and look for the short back pass in the last third. And that while facing ten defenders who were given five minutes to get back into position. Who else, other than Savinho, will take a man on?

It’s interesting that 17 of our 22 PL goals this season have come either from Haaland or defenders.

And also that Bernardo, Grealish, Foden and Savinho between them have scored, erm, none.

And that the highest total of assists is only 3 (Bernardo), followed by 3 players on 2.

He’s had less playing time than most of the above too. How many’s he played of our 6 consecutive cock-ups?

Room for improvement, fair enough, but I really believe this lad is part of our future.