20 September 2023 , 14:00
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Jack Grealish has been warned that he needs to work “harder” to keep his place at Manchester City following the arrival of Jeremy Doku.
The England star was key to Pep Guardiola's side winning the treble last season. He made 50 appearances in all competitions for the Citizens, scoring five goals and providing 11 assists.
However, his place at the Etihad has come under threat this summer. City spent £55m to sign Belgian wideman Doku from Rennes and he has since enjoyed a bright start to life with his new club. He scored his first goal for City during the weekend’s 3-1 comeback win against West Ham at the London Stadium, whilst Doku also looked electric in the Champions League showdown with Crvena Zvezda.
Former Man City defender Bacary Sagna believes that Grealish might have his work cut out to regain his place in the side. Speaking to Paddy Power, he said: “There is going to be really good competition on the left flank for Manchester City, this is what Pep [Guardiola] is looking for.
“You always try to take a player out of his comfort zone, and of course, we have to respect [Jack] Grealish, the player he is, and the part he played in City’s treble-winning season, he was amazing and is a fantastic player.
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“Being in your comfort zone is never good for a player, you need to keep working hard. The fact that [Jeremy] Doku is already having a big impact on the team will force Grealish to work even harder and try to be decisive when he gets the chance to play.
Jeremy Doku celebrates his goal against Man City (Getty Images)What have you made to Doku's start to life with Man City? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“I have known Doku for years now because I watch Stade Rennais a lot and I'm a fan of the player he is. I like direct play, his speed, his power, and one on one he is one of the best players I've seen. He and Allan Saint-Maximin have the same characteristics, they are difficult players to mark and to play against because they are creative, they are powerful, you don’t know what they have in their mind, and they always seem to change direction.
“He will have a great impact on the left flank, he is a proper winger, and he is a winger we don’t get to see a lot of anymore, he is direct and just wants to attack. For Manchester City this is good, for Grealish and Doku having that level of competition is very good, but only one will play so I'm sure they will give even more, which is very positive.”
Away from Sagna’s praise, City boss Guardiola has already been hailing his summer signing. Following the win against West Ham, he admitted that the Belgian had been “incredible” and he was “very pleased” with his start to life at the Etihad.