With six goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances this season, Johan Bakayoko has continued his good form from last season, and appears to be en route to surpass it.
He was already close to moving in the summer, but decided to stay at PSV Eindhoven where he is excelling, often drawing comparisons to the likes of Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku because of their ability to get past their man.
However, the 20-year-old did try and distance himself a bit from all this in an interview with DH, despite being flattered.
Talking about the Manchester City star, he said: “I don’t think we play in the same way. After that, it’s true that we have similar characteristics, but to be compared to Jérémy is a compliment. He’s one of the best. I think he’s quicker and looks for action more.
“Maybe I’m more involved in the game and have more variety in what I do. No, I’m not surprised by what he’s doing. When you saw what he was already doing in the youth teams…”
Since signing for Manchester City, Doku, who was seen as a raw talent at Rennes, has managed to take his game to an extra level, picking up four goals and six assists in 25 appearances to date, often impressing with his dribbling ability.
Whether Bakayoko can follow in his compatriot’s footsteps remains to be seen, but there is a strong feeling this could be his final year in the Netherlands, having already resisted the urge to move to the Premier League when Brentford came knocking last summer.
About his future, he said: “As far as my future is concerned, I don’t have a route in mind. What’s the ideal next step? I don’t necessarily have any favourite leagues. All the top ones appeal to me. I want to play in the Champions League and win the title. I want to win everything.”
