Belgian media slam Man City star Jeremy Doku after 'disastrous' display vs Senegal

Belgian media have criticised Man City winger Jeremy Doku after another lacklustre display for his country at the World Cup.

Doku has been a regular at the World Cup for his country as they seek a maiden international crown.

He was handed a third start of the tournament in their round of 32 clash against Senegal on Wednesday, as a heroic comeback saw the Red Devils secure a place in the last 16.

Senegal were 2-0 up before Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored in the final five minutes to take it to extra time, as the latter then bagged a penalty to win it in the 125th minute.

Doku failed to impress once more as he was hooked off by Rudi Garcia before the hour mark.

He could be facing some time out of the Belgium team after they rescued the game without the 24-year-old on the pitch.

Man City fans should certainly be concerned about how Doku's performance in Seattle has been rated by several Belgian media outlets.

Belgian media fume at Jeremy Doku for how he played against Senegal

Doku is yet to contribute to any of Belgium's nine goals at the World Cup, despite a strong end to the last campaign with City.

He registered 10 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances for his club in 2025-26, but has failed to bring such form into the biggest tournament of all.

Doku failed to create a chance or have a shot on goal against Senegal before he was taken off in the 56th minute.

Belgian outlet RTBF gave him a four out of 10 rating for the performance, and said: "Doku was subbed out before the 60-minute mark, which speaks volumes about the Belgian 'wizard’s' performance against Senegal. His defensive play was disastrous, and his rare attempts at dribbling didn’t amount to much. He’s undoubtedly one of the flops of this World Cup—at least for now."

Nieuwsblad also gave Doku a rating of four and were similarly disheartened, as they wrote: "He continued the trend he’d shown in the World Cup so far: a disappointment. He wasn’t up to par, both offensively and defensively. He was angry when he was substituted, because, of course, he always has that one flash of brilliance…"

Then Footmercato were slightly more complimentary as they handed him a five out of 10, saying: "Usually Belgium’s main offensive threat, the Manchester City winger tried to create danger down his wing. He pulled off a nice dribble past Niakhate before creating a promising chance that went uncalled.

"Very active, he sent in a string of dangerous crosses, including one that was deflected at the very end of the half, but none found a teammate."

Could Jack Grealish compete with Doku at Man City next season?

Doku ended the season as City's starting left winger, but did compete for his place with Savinho and Omar Marmoush throughout the campaign.

According to Football Insider's sources, new boss Enzo Maresca could reintroduce Grealish to the City squad this summer after his loan spell at Everton.

The left-winger impressed on Merseyside before suffering a season-ending injury in January, and has a strong relationship with the new manager due to their previous time spent working together at the Etihad.

Everton remain keen to sign him on another loan deal this summer, but Grealish may well provide another obstacle between Doku and regular minutes on the left flank going forward.