Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans reacts to message from Man City ace Jeremy Doku
Youri Tielemans and Belgium teammate Jeremy Doku are gearing themselves up for the upcoming Premier League season with Aston Villa and Man City, respectively.
Tielemans helped Villa enjoy one of their most successful seasons in modern times as they reached both the Champions League quarter-finals and the FA Cup semi-finals last term.
Contrastingly, Doku endured a tough season with Man City as the previous Premier League champions fell below their usual standards.
The Villa man has not made an appearance in any competition since helping Belgium to a 4-3 win over Wales in a World Cup qualifier back in June, whereas Doku scored two goals in three Club World Cup appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men.
Villa’s Tielemans reacts as Man City star Doku shares social media message
Despite Doku’s strong form in front of goal this summer, Man City were knocked out of the Club World Cup in the last 16 stage by Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Meanwhile, the Belgium winger shared a photo of himself on holiday via Instagram on Monday, 14 July, captioned: “Archives.”
The 23-year-old’s post received a like from Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans, who scored five goals for Unai Emery’s men last term.
Doku must maintain Club World Cup form amid Guardiola summer spree
Football Insider verdict
While Man City suffered a shock defeat to Al Hilal in extra time on 1 July, Doku utilised the Club World Cup to show his class, scoring against both Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca and Italian giants Juventus.
| Jeremy Doku stats | Club World Cup 2025 |
| Appearances | 3 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
The winger reminded Guardiola of the attacking prowess he boasts, while the Etihad Stadium side have already heavily bolstered their attacking ranks in the summer transfer market with the addition of Rayan Cherki.
Meanwhile, Doku’s attacking output in the Premier League has been somewhat underwhelming over the last two seasons, as he hasn’t managed to score more than three goals in one top-flight campaign.
But if the Belgium star can maintain the clinical form he enjoyed in the Club World Cup, he is certain to nail down a regular starting spot on the wing.
However, if Doku can’t transfer his Club World Cup exploits over to the Premier League, the likes of Cherki and Omar Marmoush will put his starting 11 opportunities in jeopardy.