Ex-Arsenal player Robert Pires says he rates Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku at a slightly higher level than Bukayo Saka.
In what are surprising remarks from an ex-Gunner, Pires listed three traits which he believes make Doku superior:
“In my opinion, Jeremy Doku from Manchester City is a bit better because he is technically stronger, has better dribbling skills and is more imaginative.”
Even a few City supporters would raise an eyebrow at those comments, considering what we have seen for Doku since his arrival at the Etihad last year.
The City winger is a work in progress
Plenty would agree that Doku has a higher ceiling than Saka, but his numbers do suggest that he has still some way to go to match his Arsenal counterpart.
Since moving to England, the Belgian international has scored 6 goals and provided 11 assists in 47 appearances, averaging a goal contribution every 2.76 games.
In the same period, Saka has hit the back of the net 21 times and contributed 17 assists in 50 appearances, which gives him an average of 1.31.
Will Doku make the leap?
As Pires rightly points out, the City forward has the dribbling skills to threaten any defence. Combined with his pace, he can be very difficult to stop.
However, most City fans would say that his decision-making leaves a lot to be desired at times. He can run into cul-de-sacs or deliver a poor cross when he gets himself into great positions.
At 22 years of age, those sort of issues can be ironed out, especially when you are working under a manager like Pep Guardiola. Saka is only a year older than him, though, and while he has has already fulfilled his potential, you can’t quite say the same about Doku at the moment.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
