Manchester City’s new signing Jérémy Doku is set to play a bigger role with the Belgian national team as the country’s golden generation fades. The 21-year-old winger, who made his City debut against Fulham on Saturday, joins up with Belgium for crucial European Championship qualifiers this week.
Belgium have collected seven points from three games in qualifying, and wins against Azerbaijan and Estonia could seal their place at Euro 2024. The squad has undergone significant changes following the retirements of Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld and Axel Witsel, while Kevin De Bruyne is struggling with injuries and Thibaut Courtois is out with a ruptured ACL.
Doku, who has 14 caps, is a relative veteran in a squad featuring 15 players with fewer than 10 caps. He will be required to take on greater responsibility, especially as a Manchester City player, as Belgium look to revitalise their team. The Red Devils are focusing on young talents such as Charles De Ketelaere, Johan Bakayoko and Amadou Onana.
Doku’s youth coach, Bob Browaeys, recalls his early talent: “I saw a game he played for the under-15s and you could tell immediately he was very talented. His speed was unbelievable, he was able to stop his movement, then start and nobody could follow him.” Browaeys moved Doku from left wing to right to develop his versatility, a trait Guardiola has already utilised.
Doku is known for his composure under pressure. “He was similar to Eden Hazard at that age; he was phlegmatic and it did not matter what was happening around him,” says Browaeys. “He was cool, he was never stressed.” Doku scored 10 goals and created seven more in 75 Ligue 1 appearances for Rennes before his move to City.
