Jérémy Doku is a walking nightmare for all full-backs in the world. What was already the case in Belgium and France is even more true in England, as well as during this Euro 2024. Doku is perhaps the best dribbler in the world, but does he realize it?
Against Romania, Jérémy Doku sometimes had to face triple coverage. And yet, he often managed to get out of it, thanks to his dribbling and acceleration. “When did I realize that I had something special? When I was 13, when I played with the Anderlecht U14s,” Doku said at a press conference this Monday.
Jérémy Doku, la future star modeste
“I was playing under Nouredinne Moukrim, who immediately understood that I could make a difference. Then, under the direction of coaches Benoït (Haegeman) and Mo (Ouahbi), it became even clearer. J “I knew then that I had what it took to succeed in football, and that I would do well if I behaved professionally and took care of myself.”
His confusing dribbles make him a star of this Euro, of which Doku is, for the moment, the best dribbler. “I don’t see myself that way. I don’t stand in front of the mirror and tell myself that I’m a star. I have qualities, but I’m also jealous of the qualities of others. I wish I had the technique of passing or the vision of Kevin De Bruyne, as well as the strength of Romelu Lukaku. Conversely, some players might want my speed.
No, Kyle Walker is not faster than me.”
Few players in the world are capable of beating Doku in a sprint. Kylian Mbappé? Or maybe Kyle Walker, his Manchester City teammate? “No, I don’t think so. You can ask him! (laughs). He’s very fast, but my dribbling is not just pure speed. Otherwise, sprinters could also play football.”
With Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala, Jérémy Doku is one of the most talked about players in this Euro 2024. “It’s not up to me to put myself on a list next to these players. But if you do , I obviously take that as a compliment.”
