Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola should consider the future of one of his players after his latest international display showed similar issues to those at club level.
With the international break in full swing, many of Manchester City’s first-team players are representing their respective countries.
Clubs are normally anxious about their players being on international duty, due to the risk of injuries and fatigue.
However, the break also offers clubs the opportunity to see how their players fare in different setups, with coaches likely taking plenty of notes.
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Jeremy Doku in action against Liechtenstein for Belgium.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Jeremy Doku struggled to create goals or chances against Liechtenstein
Jeremy Doku was one of the City players in action on Thursday night, as he featured for Belgium in the 6-0 win over Liechtenstein.
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However, despite the huge gulf in quality between the two sides, Doku still failed to muster any goals, assists, efforts or chances created.
In addition, none of Doku’s crosses or long balls found the target, and he lost possession 15 times.
The £55million man’s 60-minute outing in Vaduz resulted in an xG of 0.04 and an xA of only 0.06.
City fans were not impressed with Doku’s failure to clock up any particularly meaningful stats against the seventh-worst team on the international stage.
And sadly, it seems to be a running theme – Doku might be a superb dribbler, but he struggles to fashion chances and goal contributions for City too.
With that in mind, Guardiola could well be wondering whether Doku and his output will come good eventually, or whether it’s time to think about cutting his losses.
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Manchester City still have a lot of work to do in the market
Although the transfer window has only just slammed shut, City are far from the finished product.
City fans demanded a new right-back, but the club hasn’t signed one, and City could do with overhauling their centre-back ranks too.
In addition, City could have done with a new No. 6, and they have problems on the wings too.
A club that once had prime Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling and Leroy Sane now has Doku, Savinho and Oscar Bobb.