Jeremy Doku has reportedly revealed that Enzo Maresca advised him to be more direct when he was introduced as a substitute against Liverpool, with the Manchester City winger making an immediate impact after coming onto the pitch.
The Belgian international’s pace, dribbling ability and confidence in one-on-one situations have made him one of the most dangerous attacking players to face in the Premier League.
According to the story, Maresca wanted Doku to focus on attacking Liverpool’s defenders without hesitation, taking every opportunity to drive forward, beat his marker and create dangerous situations in the final third. Rather than holding onto the ball for too long or attempting unnecessary touches, the manager wanted the winger to trust his natural ability and make things happen whenever he received possession.
Doku’s introduction brought a different dimension to Manchester City’s attacking play. His speed and unpredictable movements forced Liverpool’s defenders to remain alert, while his ability to change direction quickly made it difficult for them to anticipate his next move. Every time he received the ball in a wide position, he posed a potential threat, forcing the opposition to adjust its defensive shape.
Maresca’s reported advice was particularly important because Liverpool are known for their intensity, aggressive pressing and willingness to defend high up the pitch. Against such opposition, hesitation can give defenders enough time to recover and close down attacking spaces. By encouraging Doku to be more direct, the manager wanted him to exploit those spaces before Liverpool could reorganise.
Doku has built his reputation on taking on defenders and using his exceptional acceleration to create opportunities. However, being direct does not simply mean attempting to dribble past every opponent. It also involves recognising when to attack the space, when to release the ball quickly and when to deliver a cross or cut inside to threaten the goal.
The advice would have encouraged Doku to make quicker decisions in dangerous areas, particularly when facing Liverpool’s full-backs. By combining his natural flair with greater efficiency, the Belgian could become even more effective in matches against elite opposition.
For Manchester City, having a player capable of changing the rhythm of a match from the substitutes’ bench is an important advantage. When defenders begin to tire, introducing a winger with Doku’s pace and dribbling ability can create new problems. His fresh legs can stretch the opposition, open spaces for teammates and force defenders into difficult one-on-one situations.
Liverpool’s defensive organisation makes such qualities particularly valuable. Their defenders must constantly decide whether to close Doku down, track his movement or provide additional cover for a teammate. Each decision creates another opportunity for Manchester City to exploit space elsewhere on the pitch.
The Belgian’s willingness to attack defenders could also benefit City’s midfielders and central attackers. When Doku draws two opponents towards him, he can create passing opportunities for teammates arriving in the penalty area. If defenders instead allow him space, he has the pace and technical ability to carry the ball into dangerous positions himself.
Maresca’s reported message also highlights the importance of tactical instructions when a player enters a match from the bench. Substitutes are often expected to change the momentum of a game, and a clear instruction can help them understand exactly what their manager wants them to contribute.
For Doku, the challenge is to maintain his attacking confidence while improving the timing and effectiveness of his decisions. His dribbling can unsettle even experienced defenders, but combining that ability with quicker releases, accurate final passes and composed finishing would make him an even greater threat.
Manchester City’s supporters will hope that Doku continues to develop this side of his game. At his best, he can stretch defensive lines, create opportunities from seemingly difficult situations and give his team an attacking option that opponents struggle to contain.
Although the specific conversation between Doku and Maresca has not been independently verified, the tactical message reflects a straightforward principle of elite football: when a player possesses the speed and skill to beat defenders, the key is knowing when to use those qualities decisively.
If Doku can consistently turn that instruction into performances on the pitch, he could become an even more influential figure in Manchester City’s pursuit of success this season.