Doku is in electric form at the start of his second season in Manchester, having played a major role in last season’s Premier League title success.
The 22-year-old is already in the seventh campaign of his senior career, having made his debut for Anderlecht at just 16.
As part of our Black History Month celebrations, the winger recently sat down with former City man Nedum Onuoha to discuss Doku’s journey to this point in his career, what makes him tick and his aspirations for the future.
That interview will be available in full on mancity.com and our official app later this week.
Born in Antwerp, Belgium to Ghanaian parents, Doku is clear about the inspiration that has taken him to the very top of the world’s most popular sport.
“When I was young, my role model away from football was my dad. I wanted to make him proud,” he stated.
“Making my parents proud and my whole family proud is what makes me proud. I want to make the name Doku more globally known than it was before.
“Seeing everyone I love proud and seeing people recognise me and saying my name in a good way, that is amazing for me.
“There’s always pressure, today you’re good and tomorrow you can be bad but that’s part of the job.”
Now, in a City squad alongside many of the best footballers in the world, Doku takes every opportunity to learn that he can.
With the experienced players dedicated to their craft even after winning so much under Pep Guardiola, there are potential role models all around our No.11.
Asked by Onuoha what he takes from training with these stars, Doku listed a couple of specific cases that have helped him get the best out of himself.
“After training sessions, I see the way Kovacic after training works on his body in the gym. He’s not doing weights but injury prevention,” he stated.
“I admire that because it takes a lot of time and shows how much he wants to be at his best.
“Always there are things that you see outside of the pitch with this squad that can get the best of themselves.
“Erling for example works on every little advantage, like wearing glasses at night and sleeping with tape on his mouth.
“Everyone is a role model because you can learn something from everyone you meet.”
While it takes a significant amount of skill to play for Guardiola’s City, there’s plenty of other factors that go into creating a Premier League champion.
Away from his blistering pace and incredible dribbling ability, Doku says it’s his self-awareness that has been key to making him the player he is today and is crucial for every player to develop as early as possible.
“The mentality,” he began when asked about his key attribute outside of skill.
“Since I am young, I always want to be the best. When I don’t play well, whether I score or we win but I didn’t play well, I would be the first to say I didn’t play my best.
“After a game, I know myself well and how to criticise myself. That mentality really helps me.
“When I was 16 and making my debut I didn’t think that I’d made it, I wanted to make the next step every time.
“I wanted to be involved every game, then start every game, then make an important contribution in every game.
“At Anderlecht, Rennes and now City, that’s something I try to do in every team and season.”
Black History Month
October is Black History Month in the UK.
Across the month we will be celebrating, honouring and remembering the contributions of Black people throughout Manchester City’s history.
Keep your eyes peeled on mancity.com and our official app for features, videos and interviews over the coming weeks.
