Jeremy Doku’s next step at Man City is now clear

"Today is against Chelsea, a big game and I hope to show everyone why I can start and why I belong here," said Jeremy Doku ahead of Sunday’s 4-4 draw.

The Manchester City winger has hardly put a foot wrong this season after a “nervous” debut against Fulham in September. He said he was frustrated with being unable to contribute a goal in that 5-1 win.

The Belgian was electric in the next Premier League match against West Ham, grabbing an equaliser just after half-time in the 3-1 trimph. “In his first game against Fulham he was so shy, but at West Ham he started to show his incredible skills,” said Pep Guardiola later.

READ MORE: Guardiola already has the answer to Doku vs Grealish conundrum

READ MORE: Jeremy Doku handed dose of reality after dream Man City start

He has largely continued that vein of form, most notably recording four assists in the 6-1 win over Bournemouth. Doku also netted his fourth goal in 16 matches during the contest.

It prompted Guardiola to start him against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge eight days later, his first against a ‘big six’ club. The 21-year-old was hooked just shy of the hour after struggling to impact the game and fulfil his pre-match hopes.

The speedster managed just 33 touches - fewer than Ederson - and could only fire in one shot. His pass accuracy of 71.4 per cent was the lowest in the team and he picked up a yellow card three minutes before his substitution.

The day did not go as planned for Doku, who had been named on the bench against Arsenal and Manchester United with Jack Grealish preferred. It's possible the £100m man may get the nod for City’s first game back from the international break against Liverpool.

Guardiola will be far from concerned though, and he in fact foresaw