The evolution of City’s dynamic winger was evident against West Ham | OneFootball

The evolution of the game of City’s dynamic winger Jeremy Doku was evident during his sparkling display against West Ham on Sunday. The Belgian international played a pivotal role in City’s 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium. What was clear in Doku’s outstanding performance was that his overall game developed during his first season at Manchester City.

When Doku arrived at the Etihad last summer from Rennes, he was considered a player that would need time to develop. While his dynamic attributes were well known, the consensus was that he needed time to adjust to Pep Guardiola’s demands. Despite this, City’s dynamic winger made a blistering start to life at the Etihad. He put in several eye-catching displays to show Manchester City had signed a potential gem. His performance in City’s 6-1 win over Bournemouth was the perfect encapsulation of his blistering start to life at Manchester City.

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But the middle of the season saw Doku’s form drop off. Injuries and the demands of English football appeared to have caught up with Doku. But across the latter stages of the season, he returned to form. Used primarily as a second half substitute before Sunday’s win over West Ham, Jeremy Doku burst back into life. Coming on against tired defenders suited Doku’s game. His cameo against Real Madrid almost won City their Champions League quarter-final tie. It wasn’t to be on the night as City bowed out of the tournament on penalties. But Doku had returned to form with a vengeance from that moment on.

His performance against West Ham on Sunday typified his return to form. But it also showed just how much his game has developed in his first season at Manchester City. While his ability to beat a man and torment the Hammers defence was on show, Doku now picks his moments when to attack. This is a deadly combination and one that makes Manchester City a more dangerous team when he is on form. He offers a different option to City’s attack.

Based on his development during the latter stages of the season, Jeremy Doku could be set for a bigger role next season. It is clear that Manchester City has signed a diamond in Doku. If he can bring his late season form into next season, he will likely have an even bigger role to play for Pep Guardiola’s side.