One member of Pep Guardiola’s squad needs a positive international break more than any of his Manchester City teammates.
After just three Premier League games, players are already off to play for their countries and for Man City, that may be a good thing after losing their last two matches.
Although players such as Erling Haaland, John Stones, and James Trafford have impressed throughout City’s opening three games, others have not, and performing well for their countries could give them the boost of confidence they need to excel at the Etihad Stadium over the coming weeks.
One starting member of Guardiola’s squad needs to perform over the international break more than most of his City teammates, and if he can reach his best level, he will be a big weapon for the Manchester club ahead of some tough fixtures.
Jeremy Doku in action during Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester City.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Jeremy Doku needs to perform for Belgium
Jeremy Doku impressed for Man City at the FIFA Club World Cup, and heading into the 2025/26 campaign, it seemed that Guardiola was favouring the Belgian for the left side of his attack.
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The winger scored two goals in three games in the United States, but having been handed a starting spot against Wolves, the 23-year-old failed to impress and was taken off after 66 minutes.
The Belgium international has not started for Man City since and failed to make an impact off the bench against both Tottenham and Brighton.
While away with his national team this week, Doku has admitted that he is not “the best version” of himself; therefore, this international break is the perfect opportunity for the winger to rediscover his form and gain some confidence.
As part of their World Cup qualifying campaign, Belgium play Liechtenstein on Thursday night before hosting Kazakhstan on Sunday.
Both games provide Doku with the chance to produce some goals and assists, which will be hugely beneficial for Man City, as the results should be the 23-year-old returning in much better form when the Manchester derby takes place on September 14.
Is Jeremy Doku good enough for Manchester City
Doku has been working on his chemistry with Erling Haaland throughout the summer, so the duo can combine more easily on the pitch, which will benefit everyone at the Premier League giants if they can get it right.
The 23-year-old has been trying to improve at City since his £56m arrival from Rennes in 2023; however, there has been very little evidence of the Belgian becoming the consistent player everyone wants him to be.
Season Games Goals Assists
2025/26 3 0 0
2024/25 41 8 9
2023/24 44 6 11
Jeremy Doku’s Man City career
Doku has featured 87 times for Man City so far and has only produced 14 goals and 20 assists. Those numbers are not the worst, but at the Manchester club, more is expected.
Many have asked if the winger is good enough for Man City, and at present, the answer is no. This season is a huge one for the Belgian star, or else he could find himself on the transfer list next summer.