- Jeremy Doku scored again for Man City
- Daniel Sturridge discussed the winger’s attacking confidence
- The Belgian is becoming more decisive in front of goal
Jeremy Doku’s latest Manchester City display has sparked fresh discussion, with one former Premier League striker pointing to a key shift in his game.
Man City’s 3-0 win over Brentford was another example of how important individual quality can be when opponents make life difficult for the Carabao Cup winners.
Doku broke the deadlock with a curling finish after a frustrating first half. The winger now has six goal involvements in his last five games.
Likewise, praise has come from multiple angles, with Wayne Rooney revealing the off-screen tip he gave Doku after the FA Cup semi-final.
Now, Daniel Sturridge has followed in Rooney’s footsteps, with the former striker commenting on what has changed for the Belgian.
Daniel Sturridge says Jeremy Doku is starting to believe in his goal threat
Speaking on Sky Sports, Daniel Sturridge suggested that Doku is now entering a different psychological phase as an attacker.
The Belgian’s change in confidence has been key, says former striker Sturridge. The winger never backed away from taking on defenders, but the change to finishing plays has been a recent development.
“Confidence is key for attackers, you know, it’s the most important thing, in fact, because if you’re doubting yourself, you’re doubting your abilities at any moment in time, you’re not going to make the difference,” Sturridge told Sky Sports.
The former striker added, “I think for me now, he’s slowly becoming, almost knowing I can do this, I can be a goal scorer.”
“I think there may have been doubt before, in terms of, okay, I’ve got to take my man on and supply, but there comes a moment where you have to say, okay, am I going to be a goal scorer? Do I want to become a goal scorer consistently?”
Doku and Erling Haaland connection can become vital for Man City
Sturridge also said that Doku’s role as a creator will still be important for Man City. Likewise, with Erling Haaland playing in the centre, the Sky Blues need a provider like Doku on the wings.
The former England international also reflected on his own experience. Sturridge played on the flanks too, supplying elite strikers during his playing career.
“Psychologically, it’s very different, because if you’re becoming the supplier, you’re serving your teammate. For me, I would have played with the Didiers, I’d have played with the Nikos, the Fernando Torres, these types of guys, and even Suarez when I was playing wide,” Sturridge said.
The pundit added, “It’s a case of going, Louis, where do you want it? Or Didi, where do you want it? I think for Doku, it’s important for him and Haaland to build a telepathy.”
Doku has assisted Haaland four times in the Premier League this season. The Belgian also helped Haaland score his 100th English top-flight goal against Fulham.
Why Doku’s next step matters for Man City
While Doku has always been a provider, the shift to finishing when it matters has been crucial for City in recent games.
If the Belgian can continue providing for the Sky Blues with both assists and goals, he can become Guardiola’s most dangerous weapon on the left.
Following the change in Doku’s mentality, we might see more goals from the player while he still provides for players like Haaland in the centre.
