Manchester City’s young winger Jeremy Doku has been a point of contention among fans and pundits. Despite his strong performances last season, he has faced criticism for his ability to progress the ball and contribute to the team’s play. However, the statistics tell a different story, showing Doku as an emerging star whose talent is often underrated.
A common criticism has been Doku’s alleged inability to progress the ball effectively. However, he averaged 12.3 progressive runs per game last season, far ahead of teammate Jack Grealish, who made 7.7. This highlights Doku’s pivotal role in Manchester City’s attack, highlighting his ability to cut through opposition lines with pace and skill.
Another area to look at is Doku’s ability to create goalscoring opportunities for his teammates. Again, the data is in his favour. Doku is tied with Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden for the second highest expected assists (xA) among players with significant minutes played, behind only Kevin De Bruyne. This suggests that Doku is capable of creating chances at a level comparable to some of the league’s top playmakers.
Critics have also pointed to Doku’s loss of possession as a sign of inefficiency. Given his lead in progressive carries, it is no surprise that he also leads in possession losses, with 2.09 per game, just ahead of Grealish’s 1.96. However, Grealish has been praised for his ability to retain possession. This comparison highlights the complexity of football statistics; Doku’s willingness to take risks in advanced positions naturally exposes him to defensive pressure.
At just 22, Jeremy Doku has already shown the makings of a top winger. His ability to play the ball, create chances and retain possession under pressure is impressive for a player his age. Criticism often misses the context of his role in Manchester City’s dynamic system, where risk-taking and creativity are highly valued.
