Jeremy Doku opens up on his toughest opponent during debut season at Man City

Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku has opened up on his toughest opponent after a superb debut campaign in England's top flight.

The 21-year-old realised a childhood dream of playing in the Premier League last summer, when he joined Manchester City from Ligue 1 side Rennes.

He opened his account against West Ham in mid-September and continued to flourish, notching three goals and six assists in his first 12 appearances.

After a campaign of tormenting full-backs, the Belgium international finished the 2023/24 season with some impressive stats to his name.

As well as boasting the most progressive carries in the Premier League with 218, he completed the second most successful dribbles (168 attempted with a 51.2% success).

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In fact, during Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Liverpool in November, Doku completed more dribbles (11) than any Premier League player since September 2021.

The Antwerp-born winger has often come out on top when it comes to one-on-one battles this season, although one player stands out as his toughest opponent.

Back in November, Doku and his City teammates went up against Chelsea full-back Reece James as they played out an entertaining 4-4 draw at Stamford Bridge.

James was one of the standout performers that day. He made five tackles in the first half alone, just one fewer than the entire City team.

And Doku was impressed by the England international as he spoke about his season.

"I’ve played against so many good defenders," he tells SPORTbible. "Now it’s become so much more difficult with teams playing more defensively.

"I would say Reece James. I think he is a very strong and good defender, and one of the hardest I've ever played against."

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As well as speaking about his toughest opponent, Doku opened up on his biggest inspirations.

"I am a dribbler so I have always been inspired by them the most," he added. "Messi and Neymar, who I have played against, inspire me, as does Ronaldinho."

Doku added: "Eden Hazard also inspires me, who I have had the opportunity to play with. Players amongst my national team also inspire me like Kevin De Bruyne, Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku."

Considered one of Europe’s emerging golden generations, the former Anderlecht winger has recently revealed the latest Spring Summer 2024 Nike Underwear Campaign.

The 21-year-old debuted the Nike Underwear SS24 collection, which has been engineered with super soft Nike Dri-FIT fabric for all day comfort.

"For me it’s an honour to represent Nike Underwear," he told us.

Image credit: Nike

"To be captured and model for the global launch is such a privilege and it’s been great witnessing the campaign go live. For me, when it comes to underwear it has to be Nike."