Jeremy Doku believes he has what it takes to be one of the best wingers in the world.
And Doc revealed that streaming videos of two of the greats of his generation has given him the opportunity to follow in their footsteps, if not always.
Doc grew up watching videos of Lionel Messi and Neymar in their prime. And now, finding himself on the biggest stage himself, the Belgian superstar wants to be mentioned in the same way. He will have the chance to remind the world of his abilities on Saturday when Manchester City take on Southampton at Wembley for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
And Doc believes that if he can score more goals, he can reach the next level. He said: “I liked watching Neymar. I like watching, obviously Messi used to be a winger.”
“I just watch them. I like watching them. And I’ve made my own. I just admire them. But I can’t do what they do, and they don’t do what I do. I’m just trying to use my qualities and do my own thing.”
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“Yes, I believe that with (more) goals I can be one of the best. Wingers need goals and with those goals I believe we can definitely get there. 100 percent.”
“If there is a goal, we have a different story. You should ask the defenders what they think. What do they think?”
“But they would say if I scored a goal, obviously it would be a different conversation.”
Lionel Messi and Neymar give a spectacular performance together in Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)
When Doc joined City from Rennes in a £55m deal in 2023, he joined a dressing room full of Treble winners. But instead of daunting, Doc admits he has become more determined to prove he deserves to be there.
He said: “Yeah, it’s not easy because you’re from Rennes. I don’t think they watched many of my games in France!”
“So maybe they didn’t know who I was, so you have to prove and you have to show that you deserve to be here.
“Nothing is given to you. You have to accept it. And that was my mentality too. So I just wanted to show what I’m capable of. What I can do, and that’s what I tried to do.” When you go into the dressing room, you also have to accept that you are playing with top-level players.
“So you have to raise your standards as well. Raise your quality.”
Doc charmed Arsenal in City’s recent Premier League win (Image: 2026 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Doc has won four trophies since joining City, but has yet to win the FA Cup. But he admits the desire to continue winning silver medals for City’s team remains insatiable. Because they want to be remembered as one of the greatest teams of all time.
Doc added that City are on track to win the domestic treble again this season, adding: “I think when City buy a player they understand what kind of mentality that player has, what kind of characteristics that player has.”
“We also have a very passionate coach who pushes us every time. We have experienced players who have won a lot, but they still have a hungry spirit.
“We have young players at this club and we know this club is used to winning trophies, so we are all driven by that.”
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