Pep Guardiola is convinced: 'He's the best in the world. Unstoppable'
Pep Guardiola is convinced: 'He's the best in the world. Unstoppable'
Manchester City secured a vital 2–1 win over Aston Villa in Saturday’s Premier League clash
Pep Guardiola’s high praise for Jeremy Doku that stole the headlines
After Bernardo Silva’s early opener and Marcus Rashford’s equaliser from the spot, Matheus Nunes clinched victory deep into stoppage time. Yet it was the Belgian winger’s impact throughout the match that prompted Guardiola’s glowing assessment.
City Edge Villa in Dramatic Fashion
City took the lead inside seven minutes when Bernardo Silva curled home a trademark strike.
Villa responded through Marcus Rashford, who coolly converted a penalty in the 18th minute.
The game remained finely poised until the 94th minute, when Matheus Nunes capitalised on a superb assist from Doku to fire City to a crucial three points.
Pep Guardiola: “Jeremy [Doku] is the best player in the world in the first five meters, he’s UNSTOPPABLE!” pic.twitter.com/vDKS3QhzVH
— City Report (@cityreport_) April 22, 2025
Guardiola’s Unreserved Praise
In his post-match interview, Guardiola was quick to single out Doku’s explosive acceleration:
“Jeremy Doku is the best player in the world for the first five metres. He is simply unstoppable.”
The Spaniard emphasised that no defender can match the 22-year-old’s burst of pace from a standing start.
“He changes the game with those initial yards,” added Guardiola, highlighting how Doku’s speed opens up spaces for teammates.
Doku’s Impressive Campaign
Despite a somewhat underwhelming season by City’s standards, Doku has emerged as a bright spark.
Across 32 appearances, he has recorded six goals and eight assists, showcasing his growing influence on both domestic and European fronts. According to Transfermarkt, his market value now stands at €55 million, reflecting his rapid development since joining from Rennes in 2023.
Moreover, Doku’s direct style and willingness to take on full-backs have made him a fan favourite at the Etihad.
His standout performances have often come in tight contests, where his ability to unlock defences proves invaluable.
What Lies Ahead?
City now turn their focus to a crucial run of fixtures as they chase the Premier League title and defend their Champions League crown. With Doku in such scintillating form, Guardiola has a potent weapon at his disposal.
For Doku, the challenge is to maintain consistency and continue his upward trajectory. If he can combine his raw pace with end product, he may well vindicate Guardiola’s claim as the world’s best at a standing start—and secure his place among football’s elite.
