Manchester City summer signing provides critical Premier League debut assessment

Jeremy Doku has revealed ‘frustration’ around his Manchester City debut against Fulham last weekend.

The 21-year-old made his Manchester City and Premier League debut during last Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing of Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, after signing for the treble-winners from Stade Rennais.

Doku completed a £55 million move to Manchester City amid interest from a number of Premier League clubs in signing the right-winger, as West Ham, Tottenham and Chelsea battled for the Belgian’s signature.

The forward was replaced by Sergio Gomez in the 76th minute last weekend, with Manchester City stretching their winning start to the campaign to four successive Premier League matches.

Erling Haaland’s second-half hat-trick helped Manchester City to victory, after first-half goals from Julian Alvarez and Nathan Ake.

Doku was handed his first Manchester City start by Juanma Lillo, as manager Pep Guardiola continues to recover from an emergency back operation in Barcelona.

The Belgium international impressed against the Cottagers, however the 21-year-old has revealed ‘frustrations’ with his debut for the Sky Blues, and admitted to some pre-match nerves prior to the clash.

“A little bit [nervous]. My first start for a big club like this, it’s normal. But I tried my best to help the team as much as possible. When you play at home you always have the advantage, and the crowd can help positively.

“That’s why I’m frustrated, I can’t provide assists or goals for the team. As a first debut, I tried my best and try to do it for the next games.”

Doku was one of four first-team signings at the Etihad Stadium this summer, with Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol and Matheus Nunes all signing for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Nunes was an unused substitute against Fulham, having completed a Deadline Day move from Wolves before the Premier League fixture.

Manchester City face West Ham after the international break, with the meeting at the London Stadium likely to provide opportunities for both Doku and Nunes.