Manchester City’s new speedster Jeremy Doku was always destined for superstardom – now his pace is adding yet another dimension to Pep Guardiola’s treble-winning side. Former Anderlecht U19 coach Jonas De Roeck quickly sensed Doku had the potential to become a world-beater due to his electric acceleration and mesmerising dribbling ability – qualities that wowed both City’s scouting staff and their top decision-makers.
“Even as a young player, the difference Jeremy made was unbelievable,” De Roeck said.
“He practically didn’t have to defend but he had the same qualities that he has now – the speed in the first few metres of his dribbling was incredible.
“He’s now at the biggest team in the world in Manchester City. Some were surprised but we were not – we always knew he had the potential to be a superstar.”
Guardiola recently declared that Doku’s speed is what separates him from the rest of City’s recent cohort of wingers including Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer, respectively.
But the 21-year-old, who cost £55.5million from Stade Rennes this summer, still has some way to go before he’s officially crowned the fastest starlet in City’s remarkable dressing room.
Kyle Walker was recognised as the quickest player in the entire Premier League last season after clocking up a top speed of 37.31 kilometres per hour.
Doku’s fellow City new boy Matheus Nunes (36.32 km/h) also made the top 10 and somehow outpaced serial record-breaker Erling Haaland (36.22 km/h).
De Roeck, now managing Westerlo, suggests the Belgium international attacker is still the same fresh-faced kid that ripped up the youth ranks in Brussels – all thanks to his humble upbringing.
“What has always stuck with me is that Jeremy is a great guy. He’s always smiling and wants to have fun in training but at the same time, he wants to win,” De Roeck added.
“I really loved working with him – he was always keeping himself busy by deciding how to celebrate his goals but despite that, he was very humble. I liked it a lot.”
Doku promptly flaunted his rendition of ‘The Griddy’ – a viral celebratory TikTok-inspired dance that has exploded in the NFL – after netting in the 3-1 Champions League triumph at RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
It’s been widely documented that Doku opted to snub Liverpool during his prime teenage years to prioritise his education – a life-changing call that has undoubtedly shaped the foundations for his explosive start to life at the Etihad Stadium.
De Roeck concluded: “I remember that time well. There was strong interest from Liverpool but what helped Jeremy is he came from a good home.
“Jeremy and his family wanted to ensure he finished school – his parents knew what was required to succeed in life.
“They kept his feet firmly on the ground and even when he joined Stade Rennes – he could have signed for other clubs.
“That’s what I love most about Jeremy’s story – the next step was never forced or rushed.”
