Jérémy Doku reveals Phil Foden struggles with criticism despite his talent. Doku highlights Foden’s qualities and supports him. Doku also shares his faith-inspired performance, with plans to be baptized post-match. The article emphasizes Foden’s importance to Manchester City’s success.
Jérémy Doku has offered insight into the mindset of his Manchester City teammate, Phil Foden, suggesting that the young English star can be particularly affected by criticism. Despite Foden's undeniable talent and significant contributions to the team, Doku believes that external negativity can sometimes impact his performance. This admission comes even after Foden's impressive display in the recent Manchester derby, where he scored a crucial goal in City's dominant 3-0 victory over Manchester United.
Foden's journey has not been without its challenges. Last season saw him grappling with both injury setbacks and personal issues away from the pitch. These difficulties followed what was arguably the finest campaign of his burgeoning career, during which he scored an impressive 19 Premier League goals. That season, he was the driving force behind Manchester City's unprecedented fourth consecutive league title, earning him widespread recognition and prestigious awards such as the Professional Footballers’ Association and Football Writers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year.
Doku's comments highlight the pressure that young players often face in the modern game, where scrutiny from fans, pundits, and the media can be intense. While Foden's talent is evident, his teammate's remarks suggest that managing the psychological aspect of the game remains a work in progress. Manchester City will be hoping that Foden can learn to shield himself from criticism and consistently deliver his best performances on the pitch.
"Phil is a lovely guy,” Doku said. “I know sometimes he struggles when people criticise him. Football is not easy and he showed [against United] again that talent-wise you cannot say a word about him.I’m very happy for him, I know his qualities and I know that he will show that to everyone. I have no doubt about him. I’m very happy for him. He deserves it.”
Doku himself has quickly become a key figure in the City squad. His performance in the Manchester derby was particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in creating goals for both Foden and Erling Haaland. Doku attributed his strong showing to his faith, revealing that he was due to be baptized after the game.
“Today was for me already a victory,” he said post-match. “Why? Because I knew that after the game today I’m going to baptise myself; I’m going to be baptised. Maybe that’s why I felt like I was pushed today. That’s why I’m very happy with the performance as well. As a Christian, when you get baptised, your old nature, your old sinful nature, dies and you start living with God.”
Manchester City fans will be encouraged by Doku's support for Foden and his belief in the young player's potential. As City continues to compete on multiple fronts, Foden's ability to overcome criticism and perform at his highest level will be crucial to the team's success. With the backing of his teammates and the guidance of manager Pep Guardiola, Foden has the opportunity to develop into one of the world's leading footballers.
The victory against Manchester United was not just a triumph on the pitch but also a testament to the strong team spirit within the Manchester City squad. Doku's openness about Foden's struggles and his own personal journey with faith provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives and minds of these elite athletes. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how Foden responds to this latest challenge and whether he can consistently silence his critics with his performances on the field.