Exclusive: Manchester City legend issues words of advice to Jeremy Doku over Erling Haaland | OneFootball

Manchester City legend Shaun Wright-Phillips has had some clear words of advice for current winger Jeremy Doku heading into the new season.

Doku arrived at the Etihad Stadium in 2023 with plenty of promise, dazzling fans and pundits alike with his fearless, unpredictable attacking style. After a relatively inconsistent start to life in England, the Belgian international did enjoy flashes of brilliance, including a four-assist showing in a Premier League win over Bournemouth.

However, consistency and end product – particularly in synergy with star striker Erling Haaland and other members of Pep Guardiola’s attacking line – have remained key areas of focus for improvement.

The 23-year-old finished last season with eight goals and nine assists across all competitions, but observers at Manchester City continue to underline the importance of developing a stronger connection with Haaland, whose game often thrives on quick, early deliveries into the box.

As Manchester City look to reclaim domestic and European dominance this season, ensuring that creative wide players like Jeremy Doku are operating at maximum efficiency will be vital to Pep Guardiola’s tactical evolution.

There is optimism within the club that Doku can make the leap from promising talent to elite-level performer. With Jack Grealish expected to leave, and Rayan Cherki now part of the first-team group, the competition on the flanks is fiercer than ever.

Now, speaking exclusively to City Xtra, former Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips spoke excitedly about the club’s current lightning wide options, but did have some words of advice for Jeremy Doku in particular when it comes to the Belgian’s inter-play.

“I like entertaining wingers, and especially in terms of Doku he does just that because nobody knows what he is going to do next,” Wright-Phillips said.

“I think he needs to get the ball to [Erling] Haaland a little bit quicker, because there are times when he makes these runs and the ball doesn’t come,” he continued.

“And that makes Haaland’s job a lot harder, but in terms of how they entertain me, it is fantastic, but they need to take the gamble a bit more often and get the ball into him.”

Pep Guardiola and his assistants are likely to be regularly encouraging Doku to simplify his final-third decision-making and trust the early ball into the centre-forward. With Erling Haaland being one of the world’s most lethal finishers, even half-chances often result in goals when service arrives on time.

The Belgian winger now has two full years under his belt in Pep Guardiola’s system, and with another demanding campaign ahead, expectations are rising. If he can sharpen his connection with Haaland, Doku could quickly become one of the most productive wide players in Europe.

As pre-season continues and Manchester City prepare to face Palermo in Sicily this weekend, many will be watching how Doku combines with Haaland in the early weeks. Should the two strike up a sharper rhythm, Shaun Wright-Phillips’ words may prove to be a well-timed catalyst for improvement.

Shaun Wright-Phillips was speaking to City Xtra on behalf of AceOdds.com.