“He surprised all of us” – Pep Guardiola hails impact of Manchester City summer signing

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has lauded the impact of Jeremy Doku, after the 21-year-olds emphatic performance against Bournemouth.

The Belgium international mesmerised the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, finding himself directly involved in five of Manchester City’s six goals, as the Sky Blues thrashed Bournemouth to move to the top of the Premier League table.

Doku opened the scoring in the 30th minute, prior to assisting first-half goals for Bernardo Silva and Manuel Akanji, as Manchester City raced into a quick-fire 3-0 lead.

The 21-year-old was involved in Phil Foden’s second-half goal before setting up Silva’s second goal of the afternoon with a smart long-range pass in the 83rd minute.

Nathan Ake’s headed goal against his former club in the 88th minute concluded an impressive afternoon for Manchester City, with summer signing Doku stealing the show at the Etihad Stadium.

Doku moved to Manchester City for £55.5 million during the summer transfer window and has made an instant impact, providing electrifying pace as well being directly involved in seven goals in eight Premier League appearances.

The Belgium international’s arrival came following the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Cole Palmer, and Pep Guardiola has revealed his delight with the impact of the Blues’ summer signing, following Saturday’s performance.

“He’s not just a player for one-against-one, or one-against two. He surprised all of us!

“He’s a great footballer. He reads every action for exactly what he has to do.

“He even creates something for our crowd; when he takes the ball and goes, everybody is excited, myself too, ‘Oh something is going to happen!’ And it happens!”

Doku scored his first Premier League goal against West Ham in September, and also helped Manchester City to a crucial victory over RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League, netting during a 3-1 victory in Germany.

The Blues will have the chance to secure qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League in midweek, when BSC Young Boys visit the Etihad Stadium in matchday four.