Jérémy Doku has enjoyed a good start to his life at Manchester City since arriving at the Etihad from Rennes in the last window.
The winger has managed two goals and an assist from eight games and it includes a goal and an assist in the Citizens’ 3-1 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League.
Het Belang van Limburg had a chat with the Manchester City summer signing where he discussed several topics including his own game and his move to England.
There have been suggestions in his country the Belgium international is the successor to Eden Hazard in the national team and the 21-year-old partly believes it’s because he now plays for Manchester City.
“Phew. Taking over the role of Eden? That is very intense. I want to be myself first and foremost, but I do notice that people really like me,” he said.
“They have been extra sweet and friendly since I transferred to Manchester City and have had some good performances. I give everything in every match, but you just have to tell me if I am the new favourite.”
The player has insisted he still needs to work on improving his own game and explained the areas he needs to focus on.
“I know my final pass and my finishing still need to improve, but my job is first and foremost to get past the opponent. I know I can do that if I make the right move at the right time,” Doku explained.
“I know my qualities, but like everyone else, my dribbles sometimes fail. Then I’m frustrated because I didn’t perform the right movement at the right time.”
Manchester City first registered their interest in Doku with his brother, who is also his agent, and the attacker only started getting involved when the deal became concrete.
“Just because it was Man City didn’t mean I just said yes, I wanted to speak to the trainer first to see what role he had in mind for me. I’ve reached an age where I have to play a lot. I felt then that Guardiola believed in me. That’s all I needed to know,” he added.
The Belgian has insisted that he wasn’t promised regular game time but is delighted with the minutes he has had so far. Doku also stated that he “was impressed” when he met Guardiola face-to-face for the first time.
On Thursday, Doku also spoke to reporters and talked about how his move to Manchester City has put pressure on him.
“I’m always on the lookout, I try to prove things with De Rode Duivels. This transfer has put a lot of pressure on me, I have to prove that I can play in one of the best teams in the world,” he said, relayed by RTBF.
