Manchester City’s title challenge appears to be gaining speed, and it would be impossible to rule out Pep Guardiola’s side from regaining their English crown in the Premier League.
Offensively, City have caught the eye so far this season, with Erling Haaland once again leading the competition in goals scored. However, it would appear as though one of last season’s fringe players finally looks to be playing the best soccer of his career, as Jeremy Doku has quickly become one of the most lethal wingers in the world.
But where does the Belgian international rank among the top players in his position at this stage of the campaign?
Doku Hitting His Stride in City Colors
Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2023, it’s been clear that Doku has the traits to become one of the world’s best wingers. However, his stats from the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons highlighted his wasteful nature, evident last season when he registered just nine goal contributions in 29 Premier League appearances.
Why is this video two hours long? pic.twitter.com/OwvBb6Anh6
— Manchester City (@ManCity) November 9, 2025
However, Doku has found the key to unlocking his potential in the final third this season, as he’s already tallied six goal contributions in 15 matches across all competitions. His level of consistency has seen him become a regular starter for Guardiola, and the coach’s decision to trust the forward is paying off.
Breakout Performance Against World Elite
A sign of Doku’s progression was on display in his performance against Liverpool in City’s recent 3-0 win. The Belgian was a constant threat from the left wing, ensuring that Reds fullback Conor Bradley had an afternoon to forget.
Doku scored a sensational goal, won his team a penalty, and registered over three key passes and carries into the penalty area. In doing so, he also made a piece of Premier League history, becoming the first player since Eden Hazard for Chelsea in 2019 to register more than 10 dribbles, create three chances, and score.
In truth, it was the breakout performance the winger needed to be regarded among the world’s elite, as it indicates that his game has progressed since joining City and that he’s now able to back that progression up with stats.
What Must Doku Do Next?
His assist in the win means that only three players in the Premier League this season have recorded more. Meanwhile, Doku’s averages of 8.38 dribbles and 4.77 successful dribbles per game are among the league’s highest.
“Don’t ever say to yourself, ‘I got all this wealth by my own power and ability.’ Remember the Lord your God is the one who gives you power to do these things. He does this because he wants to keep the agreement that he made with your ancestors, as he is doing today!”… pic.twitter.com/QTVW1YkiT3
— Jeremy Doku (@JeremyDoku) November 10, 2025
However, he’ll need to showcase this trajectory over a longer period of time to be considered one of the world’s very best wingers. One consistent critique of the Belgian throughout his City career has been his occasional wastefulness when entering dangerous areas.
But his stats do indicate that progression has been made this term. Doku has a shot accuracy of 87.5% in the Premier League this season and has hit the target with seven of his eight efforts. Meanwhile, he’s hitting his xA of 3.02, having accumulated three assists.
How Doku Compares With the World’s Best
Doku’s performances in recent weeks have been met with glowing plaudits, but how does he compare against some of the world’s best wingers this season?
Antoine Semenyo is also considered one of the best forwards playing off the left in the Premier League, and his numbers compare favorably with the City man. Semenyo has already scored six goals and registered the same number of assists as Doku. Semenyo has achieved those lofty numbers in a worse team than the Belgian.
Another step forward and a good way to end the break. All glory to God 🙏🏾🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/um3XtHfMZN
— Jeremy Doku (@JeremyDoku) October 14, 2025
On the global stage, it would be a challenge to argue against Luis Diaz being the most impressive left-winger this season. The Bayern Munich star has already scored 11 goals and added five assists across all competitions. Diaz is also outperforming his xA of 3.77.
Two of the standout wingers from last season are Vinicius Jr and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The former has endured a challenging season due to off-field contract issues making the headlines. Despite that, the Brazilian has still contributed more goal involvements than Doku across all competitions (10) and is closely matched with the Belgian in successful dribbles per game (3.11)
Meanwhile, Kvaratskhelia was the standout left-winger in world soccer last season, registering five goal involvements in PSG’s Champions League-winning campaign.
But Doku is outperforming the Georgian so far this season, as the 24-year-old has accumulated just one goal and two assists in Ligue 1. Also, Doku surpasses Kvaratskhelia’s 2.36 in successful dribbles, while the Georgian has been dispossessed 2.00 per game.
