Pep Guardiola Backs Jeremy Doku to Reach Vinícius Jr and Lamine Yamal Level With One Condition

Pep Guardiola has publicly endorsed Jérémy Doku’s capacity to develop into one of the world’s finest wingers, drawing direct comparisons with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior and Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal — while placing the responsibility for that progression firmly on the Belgian’s shoulders.

When asked whether Doku could eventually reach the same elite tier as the two superstars, the Manchester City head coach was unequivocal. “Yeah, for sure,” Guardiola confirmed, adding: “And always accept being pushed. Always accept that. And that is so nice. We are really pleased. Now he is winning games. But he has always been really, really good.”

However, Guardiola was clear that raw ability alone would not be sufficient. The Catalan coach emphasised the psychological dimension that separates good players from truly great ones. “It depends on your mentality,” he explained. “I want to become one of the best wingers in the world. Otherwise, you’re in a comfort zone, and you say, ‘No, it’s fine, it’s fine.’ Always, I’ve been, Jeremy, dribbles and whatever. I always try. But I say, no, I want to become one of the best of the best. That is when you reach that level.”

The timing of Guardiola’s comments is significant. Doku, who joined Manchester City from Stade Rennais in the summer of 2023, has undergone a notable transformation this season. After an early period at the Etihad Stadium marked by electrifying pace and dribbling but a frustrating lack of end product, the 23-year-old has addressed that weakness in decisive fashion in recent weeks.

Doku has now accumulated eight goals and 14 assists across all competitions this season — figures that reflect a player operating with considerably greater efficiency than in his debut campaign. His most productive recent run has been particularly telling: four goals in five matches, including a brace in a 3-3 Premier League draw against Everton. That output has elevated him to the role of Manchester City’s standout performer at a pivotal stage of the season.

City’s continued presence in the Premier League title race has been closely tied to Doku’s current form. With the campaign approaching its final stages, the Belgian’s contributions have proven decisive in keeping Guardiola’s side in contention.

For context, both players Guardiola cited as benchmarks are currently among the most decorated attackers in European football. Vinícius Júnior, 24, won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 2024 and finished as a Ballon d’Or finalist, while Lamine Yamal, still just 17, was central to Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 triumph and Barcelona’s ongoing La Liga campaign. Guardiola’s decision to name them specifically sets a clearly defined standard for what he expects Doku to aspire to.

At 23, Doku remains one of the younger players in City’s attacking options, and his development trajectory will be closely monitored heading into the 2026-27 season. Whether he can sustain his current output and continue to meet the demands Guardiola has set publicly will be among the more compelling sub-plots of Manchester City’s summer planning.