Pep Guardiola makes Jeremy Doku comparison to former Manchester City star

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has drawn comparisons between summer signing Jeremy Doku and former forward Leroy Sane, in fresh praise for the 21-year-old.

The Belgium international made his third Manchester City start on Saturday, as Pep Guardiola’s side beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium to maintain their winning start to the Premier League season.

Manchester City raced into an early lead courtesy of goals from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland, however Rodri’s red card for violent conduct after an altercation with Morgan Gibbs-White forced a valiant second-half defensive display from the Sky Blues.

Summer signings Josko Gvardiol and Jeremy Doku returned to the starting side for Saturday’s victory, with the latter having scored on his full debut at the London Stadium last weekend.

Doku equalised for Manchester City against West Ham, and was impressive once again on Saturday, playing a key role in the Blues’ opening goal.

Pep Guardiola has hailed the 21-year-olds start at the Etihad Stadium, having joined from Stade Rennais for £55.5 million in August.

The Manchester City manager praised the new dimensions offered by the forward’s arrival, and drew some compassions to former star Leroy Sane.

“With 10 against 11, Jeremy [Doku] doesn’t have the pace like for example Leroy [Sane] had over 40 metres, long pace.

“He’s a really good, clever player to take decisions in the final third, that I didn’t expect. I expected incredible speed, incredible one-against-one. But after that, to have the composure, to have to take a decision in the final third.

Leroy Sane made 135 appearances for Manchester City between 2016 and 2020, scoring 39 goals and helping the Blues to seven trophies, including two Premier League titles.

The German winger moved to Bayern Munich for £54.8 million, and scored against Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League in midweek.