Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Jeremy Doku following Saturday’s 6-1 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League.
The Belgian winger, who joined the Treble winners from Rennes for a £55.5 million transfer fee in the summer, score the opening goal and set up another four as the hosts ran riot over the Cherries.
Doku arrived at Eastlands with a reputation for being an accomplished dribbler, but Guardiola admitted after the game that he has been taken aback by how good the 21-year-old’s decision-making is.
“What surprised me the most is how we knew his one on ability but how clever he is when he has to take a decision, it’s really good,” he told Sky Sports. “Sometimes he attracts one two or three layers and his decision is really good to take the extra pass.
“I have a feeling he understands everything so we say some comments, maybe you should do this and reflect and he says yes and applies immediately. He understands the game really well.
“He is incredible threat, so aggressive close to the box so good there. I don’t want to change the skills that he is but so far every game he has played he has played well especially here at home.”
Guardiola says he is also surprised by the level of ambition and commitment in the Man City squad after achieving so much last season.
“This team surprise me a lot,” he said. “After 11 games we are close, we will see after another weekend. Top of the league, Champions League we have done what we need to do.
“The way we are training, the dedication and commitment, we have incredible captains leading. In every training session they know they have to play good and they think ‘I have to, otherwise my mate is going to play’ and that is the secret.
“They have the passion to play and let’s continue, Tuesday then Sunday, we will see at the end what is our level.”
