Manchester City fans could be in for a treat next season with one Etihad star, and one soon-to-be, both making the top 10 list of players in Europe for successful take-ons.
Last summer, City brought in a handful of players who were really good ball carriers, which possibly indicated a bit of a change to the way the team would play.
Pep Guardiola loves his technicians.
But the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes and Jeremy Doku coming in suggested the City manager was ready to see a bit more directness.
Doku has certainly been direct, and City fans saw him at it again when he came on as a substitute against Manchester United in the FA Cup final last weekend.
Interestingly, Doku features on the list of players with the most take-ons in Europe in 2023/24 – as does a player who should soon be announced as a new Manchester City star…
Jeremy Doku and Savio named in the top 10 list for take-ons, ahead of former Man City star Leroy Sane
City fans have been very excited watching Doku this summer.
The £55 million signing from Rennes brought a lot of unpredictability at times, and many have preferred his style compared to that of Jack Grealish.
Doku is very direct, and looks to use his rapid acceleration to beat a man when in a one-vs-one situation. As such, he features seventh in the top 10 list of players for successful take-ons in 2023/24 with 96.
But that isn’t quite as many as Savio, a player who is expected to be announced as a new signing by Manchester City very soon. The club agreed a deal earlier this year to land the player from Troyes this summer.
Savio enjoyed a terrific campaign on loan at Spanish outfit Girona, scoring 11 goals and making 10 assists in 41 appearances. He features third on the list, having completed 104 take-ons in 2023/24.
Both Savio and Doku are ahead of former City favorite Leroy Sane, who completed 93 for Bayern Munich.
Next season could be very fun
So both Doku and incoming star Savio both feature in the top 10 for most successful take-ons in European leagues in 2023/24, which is very impressive.
Potentially, next season could be very fun indeed.
It remains to be seen right now if Savio will be sticking around with the first-team squad, or heading out on loan somewhere. But many fans are really hoping Pep gives the 20-year-old a chance.
And Doku is a player with really exciting potential. He came in for a bit of criticism at times throughout 2023/24, but there is no denying he has the capacity to provide something completely different for City, and a bit of magic if needed.
The thought of these two players tearing down the wings next season is definitely a mouthwatering prospect.