Pep Guardiola could have his very own Vinicius Jr at Man City who is ready to explode next season

Manchester City’s emphatic 5-2 demolition of Juventus in the FIFA Club World Cup has sent shockwaves through the football world, serving as a powerful statement of intent from Pep Guardiola’s rejuvenated squad. The comprehensive victory wasn’t merely a display of tactical superiority; it was a glimpse into the future of a Manchester City side that appears poised to reclaim their position as the world’s premier football club.

The transformation at the Etihad Stadium extends far beyond the pitch. Guardiola’s renewed commitment to the project, coupled with the strategic additions of Pep Lijnders, Kolo Toure, and James French to his backroom staff, has infused the club with a palpable energy that had been conspicuously absent during their recent struggles. This renewed vigor is perhaps most evident in the performances of their young attacking talents, particularly Jeremy Doku, who has emerged as the standout performer of their Club World Cup campaign.

Phil Foden’s infectious enthusiasm behind the scenes has become a catalyst for the squad’s revitalized mentality. The England international’s buoyant demeanor reflects a broader shift in the team’s psychological approach, with players demonstrating an eagerness to embrace the challenge of restoring Manchester City’s status as football’s dominant force. This collective mindset has created the perfect environment for emerging talents like Doku and Savinho to flourish.

The comparison between Jeremy Doku and Vinicius Jr extends far beyond their shared position on the wing. Both players arrived at elite clubs with immense potential but faced the inevitable growing pains that accompany the transition from promising prospect to world-class performer. Vinicius Jr’s journey at Real Madrid provides a compelling blueprint for what Doku’s development could look like over the coming seasons.

The transformation came in the 2021/22 season when Vinicius Jr finally put together all the pieces of his game. His 17 goals and 10 assists in La Liga that campaign, culminating in a crucial goal in the Champions League final against Liverpool, marked his emergence as one of world football’s elite wingers. This metamorphosis wasn’t accidental; it was the result of tactical adjustments, improved decision-making, and most importantly, a better understanding of when and how to utilize his extraordinary physical gifts.

Doku’s current trajectory mirrors Vinicius Jr’s early struggles remarkably. The Belgian international possesses the same devastating pace and close control that makes him a nightmare for defenders, but his end product has yet to reach the levels required for a player of his potential. His Premier League statistics show a player who has yet to register double figures in either goals or assists, but the signs of improvement are becoming increasingly evident.

The appointment of Pep Lijnders to Guardiola’s coaching staff appears to have had a profound impact on Doku’s development. The Dutch coach’s influence is most visible in the Belgian’s improved movement off the ball, particularly his willingness to make runs in behind the defensive line. This represents a significant evolution from his previous role as a predominantly wide player who relied on beating defenders in one-on-one situations.

Lijnders’ tactical philosophy emphasizes the importance of varied attacking patterns and unpredictable movement. His work with Doku has focused on developing the winger’s understanding of space and timing, teaching him when to drift inside and when to exploit the channels behind the defense. This tactical sophistication was perfectly exemplified in Doku’s goal against Juventus, where his perfectly timed run and clinical finish demonstrated a level of tactical awareness that was previously absent from his game.

The psychological aspect of Lijnders’ coaching cannot be understated. His ability to communicate tactical concepts in a way that resonates with players has been crucial in helping Doku understand his role within Guardiola’s complex system. The Belgian has spoken about his improved confidence in front of goal, attributing this to clearer instructions about when and where to position himself in attacking situations.

The emergence of Rayan Ait-Nouri as a key component in Manchester City’s tactical setup has created fascinating possibilities for Doku’s development. The Algerian defender’s ability to provide width and overlap has allowed Doku to operate in more central positions, where his pace and directness can cause maximum damage to opposing defenses.

This tactical adjustment represents a significant shift from traditional wing play, where wingers are expected to hug the touchline and provide width for their team. Instead, Guardiola has created a system where Doku can interchange positions with Ait-Nouri, creating confusion for defenders who are unsure whether to track the winger or the overlapping fullback.

The partnership’s effectiveness was perfectly demonstrated in the goal against Juventus, where Ait-Nouri’s intelligent movement created the space for Doku to exploit. The Algerian’s pass was not just technically excellent; it was perfectly timed to exploit the gap created by his own run, allowing Doku to finish with the composure of a seasoned goalscorer.

This tactical innovation has solved one of the persistent problems in Doku’s game: his tendency to drift too wide and become isolated. By giving him the freedom to move inside while maintaining width through Ait-Nouri, Guardiola has created a system that maximizes the Belgian’s strengths while minimizing his weaknesses.

The potential addition of Tijjani Reijnders to Manchester City’s midfield could provide another crucial piece in Doku’s development puzzle. The Dutch midfielder’s ability to make late runs into the box and his vision for defense-splitting passes could create the kind of opportunities that have been lacking in City’s recent performances.

Reijnders’ playing style complements Doku’s perfectly. While the Belgian excels at creating chaos in wide areas, he has often struggled to find the right pass or cross when defenders commit to stopping him. Reijnders’ movement and positioning could provide the kind of options that allow Doku to showcase his creative abilities alongside his pace and dribbling.

The psychological impact of having runners making late arrivals in the box cannot be understated. Defenders are forced to make split-second decisions about whether to commit to stopping the winger or tracking the midfielder’s run. This indecision creates the kind of half-chances that elite players like Vinicius Jr thrive on, and it could be the key to unlocking Doku’s full potential

Guardiola’s decision to deploy Doku as an inside forward against Juventus represents a significant tactical evolution. This position allows the Belgian to utilize his pace in central areas while maintaining the option to drift wide when necessary. The role requires a different skill set from traditional wing play, emphasizing shooting, link-up play, and movement in tight spaces.

The inside forward position also places greater emphasis on defensive contributions, something that Doku has improved significantly under Lijnders’ guidance. His work rate and pressing intensity have increased noticeably, demonstrating a maturity that was previously absent from his game. This defensive awareness is crucial for any player hoping to establish themselves in Guardiola’s system.

The tactical flexibility that comes with this position could be crucial for Manchester City’s prospects in multiple competitions. Having a player who can operate effectively in various attacking positions provides Guardiola with the kind of tactical options that could prove decisive in crucial matches. Doku’s development in this role could be the difference between a successful season and a truly exceptional one.

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Doku’s recent development has been the improvement in his mental approach to the game. The Belgian has spoken about his increased confidence in front of goal, attributing this to clearer tactical instructions and improved understanding of his role within the team structure. This mental evolution mirrors Vinicius Jr’s transformation at Real Madrid. The Brazilian’s breakthrough season was as much about psychological development as it was about tactical improvement. His willingness to take risks and back himself in crucial moments became the defining characteristic of his game.

Doku’s performance against Juventus demonstrated this same mental strength. His goal was not just technically excellent; it was executed with the kind of composure that suggests a player who believes in his ability to deliver in big moments. This confidence is infectious and could be the catalyst for a sustained period of improvement. The support structure around Doku has been crucial in this mental development. Guardiola’s faith in young players is well-documented, but the specific tactical adjustments made to accommodate Doku’s development show a level of investment that goes beyond mere encouragement. The coaching staff’s ability to identify and address specific weaknesses in his game has created an environment where improvement is not just possible but inevitable.

Doku’s physical attributes provide the foundation for his potential greatness. His acceleration and top speed are among the best in world football, making him a constant threat in transition situations. However, his physical development has extended beyond just pace; his strength and balance have improved significantly, allowing him to compete more effectively in physical duels.

The Belgian’s injury record has been relatively good throughout his career, suggesting that his physical conditioning is excellent. This durability could be crucial as he takes on an increasingly prominent role in Manchester City’s system. The ability to maintain consistent performance levels throughout a long season is often what separates good players from great ones.

His physical development has also enabled him to be more effective in defensive situations. His improved strength allows him to compete for aerial duels and physical challenges, while his pace makes him an effective counter-pressing option. This two-way contribution is essential for any player hoping to establish themselves in

While Doku’s statistics in terms of goals and assists have yet to reach elite levels, his underlying numbers suggest significant improvement. His shot frequency has increased, indicating a greater willingness to test goalkeepers and a better understanding of when shooting opportunities arise. His expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) have also shown upward trends, suggesting that improved end product is likely to follow.

The quality of his chance creation has improved significantly. His key passes per game have increased, and the locations from which he creates these chances have become more dangerous. This improvement in chance quality is often a precursor to improved assist numbers, suggesting that Doku’s creative output could see substantial improvement in the coming season. His dribbling success rate remains exceptional, but what’s more impressive is his improved decision-making about when to dribble and when to pass. This tactical maturity is crucial for any winger hoping to operate effectively in Guardiola’s system, where individual brilliance must be balanced with collective responsibility.

Vinicius Jr’s transformation at Real Madrid was greatly aided by his partnership with Karim Benzema. The French striker’s intelligent movement and creative ability created the perfect foil for Vinicius Jr’s pace and directness. Their understanding of each other’s games became one of the most effective partnerships in world football.

Manchester City’s attacking setup provides similar opportunities for Doku. The presence of creative players like Phil Foden and the potential addition of new attacking options could create the kind of partnerships that elevate individual performances. The key is finding the right balance between individual expression and collective effectiveness. The emergence of Omar Marmoush as a potential striking option could provide Doku with the kind of intelligent movement that made the Benzema-Vinicius Jr partnership so effective. Marmoush’s ability to drop deep and create space, combined with his clinical finishing, could be the perfect complement to Doku’s pace and creativity.

Manchester City’s aspirations in the Champions League could provide the perfect stage for Doku’s emergence as a world-class player. The competition’s knockout format often rewards players who can produce moments of individual brilliance, something that Doku has consistently demonstrated throughout his career.

The Belgian’s pace and directness could be particularly effective against teams that commit players forward in search of goals. His ability to exploit space in transition situations could prove crucial in the latter stages of the competition, where tactical discipline often gives way to attacking desperation.

The psychological impact of performing on the Champions League stage cannot be understated. For young players like Doku, these high-pressure situations can be career-defining moments. His performance in the Club World Cup suggests that he has the mental fortitude to handle the pressure of Europe’s premier competition.

Pep Guardiola’s ability to develop young players is well-documented, but his work with Doku represents a particularly interesting case study. The Catalan coach’s willingness to adapt his tactical system to accommodate individual strengths has been crucial in unlocking the Belgian’s potential.

Guardiola’s tactical innovations have always been driven by the specific attributes of his players. His work with Doku demonstrates this philosophy perfectly, with tactical adjustments designed to maximize the winger’s strengths while addressing his weaknesses. This personalized approach to player development is one of the hallmarks of elite coaching.

The trust that Guardiola has shown in Doku, particularly in crucial matches, has been essential for the player’s confidence. This faith in young players is often what separates good coaches from great ones, and it could be the key to unlocking Doku’s full potential.

As Manchester City prepare for the 2025/26 season, all signs point to Jeremy Doku being ready to take the next step in his development. His improved end product, tactical understanding, and mental approach suggest that he could be on the verge of a breakthrough season similar to Vinicius Jr’s 2021/22 campaign.

The supporting cast around Doku continues to improve, with tactical adjustments designed to maximize his impact. The emergence of new partnerships and the potential for further tactical innovation suggest that the best is yet to come for the Belgian international

The parallels with Vinicius Jr’s development are striking, but Doku’s journey will ultimately be his own. His unique combination of pace, skill, and improving tactical awareness could make him one of the most dangerous wingers in world football. For Manchester City, his development could be the key to unlocking another period of sustained success.

If Doku can indeed mirror Vinicius Jr’s trajectory, Manchester City will have secured one of the most exciting young talents in world football. The stage is set for a breakout season that could establish him as one of the game’s elite performers.