Jeremy Doku returned to form with a decisive performance for Belgium against Turkey, re-establishing himself as the top choice for the left-wing position under new manager Mark van Bommel.
The Manchester City winger, who struggled at the World Cup and missed a recent international break due to injury, provided two assists in the 3-1 victory, showcasing the threat he poses when at his best.
Sporza reported that Doku was determined to make amends for a disappointing summer, adding extra motivation from the opportunity he missed when he was sidelined for the previous international window. During that break, Mika Godts, Doku’s competitor for the spot, delivered a standout debut performance for new coach Van Bommel against Italy, highlighting the precarious nature of a player’s standing in international football.
Doku was on holiday with his family due to a calf injury while Godts impressed, a scenario that underlines how quickly fortunes can change in the squad.
Van Bommel, in his first match in charge, deployed Doku on his preferred left-wing role, a position the player has openly stated is where he performs best. The coach emphasized that Doku must contribute to the team’s high-intensity pressing game.
“When I approached him with my laptop, he started laughing,” Van Bommel said in a pre-match interview with VTM. “Because he knew I was going to tell him he had to sprint back defensively.”
Doku Delivers on Both Ends of the Pitch
Doku embraced the new manager’s philosophy, delivering a complete display that matched the aggressive, high-pressing style Van Bommel demands. The statistics from the match against Turkey told a story of a player operating at peak efficiency. Doku completed 7 successful dribbles and contributed defensively with 5 ball recoveries, 3 interceptions, and 1 block.
“I thought Jerry played very well,” Van Bommel stated bluntly after the match.
“He’s a smart player with a lot of speed who can go past someone from a standstill. I also thought he was very strong on the ball. It’s normal that Jeremy sometimes loses the ball because he takes risks in his actions. The important thing is that he knows when he is going to get the ball and what he has to do when he loses it.”
Reclaiming the Top Spot
Analyst Peter Vandenbempt, writing for Sporza, commented, “There is no discussion that Doku is number one on the left when he is completely fit. He is still a little further along in his development than Godts. He is a true world-class player when fit, with actions based on pure technique and incredible starting speed.”
Doku’s preference for playing on the left flank is clear. He has previously voiced his dissatisfaction with former manager Rudi Garcia’s tactical decisions, which sometimes saw him played out of position. “When I look back at the match against Egypt and some other games, I was not always played in the best conditions,” Doku said in a post-World Cup interview.
“Sometimes I was on the right, and against Egypt, even as a striker. Those were not the best choices. Everyone says I play my best football on the left wing. Then you shouldn’t suddenly start trying new things.”
Van Bommel’s decision to use him as a natural left-winger appears to have unlocked Doku’s best form, allowing him to focus on what he does best: using his pace and dribbling.
A Coach’s Dilemma
Van Bommel now faces a welcome problem: an abundance of talent on the wings. The depth of options like Doku, Godts, and Leandro Trossard presents a “luxury puzzle,” as the coach described it.
If Doku continues to perform as he did against Turkey, Van Bommel’s decision-making becomes simpler.
Doku Wants to Play on the Left Wing
“Everyone says I play my best on the left wing. Then you shouldn’t suddenly start trying new things,” Doku said, reinforcing his desire to play in his most effective role.
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