Emmanuel Petit commented on how Jeremy Doku performed for Belgium during his side’s 1-0 defeat to France in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024.
Doku was starting on the left-wing, as Domenico Tedesco switched up his tactics to start two strikers in Romelu Lukaku and Lois Openda.
Belgium, who were massive underdogs coming into the game managed to sit back and stay in the game against France for most of the game.
However, in the 85th minute, a rude deflection meant Jan Vertonghen’s attempted block off Randal Kolo Muani ended up in the back of the net.
Doku and De Bruyne cut disappointed figures at the end of the contest as Belgium have been knocked out of the European Championship.
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Emmanuel Petit hails Jeremy Doku as France beat Belgium
However, the Manchester City winger was trying his absolute best to help the Belgians win the contest.
The £55.5 million man was typically fearless — trying his best to burst past Jules Kounde and breathe life into Belgium’s attack.
On some occasions, the 22-year-old beat Kounde while on others, the Barcelona defender came out on top.
Ultimately, for all of the former Rennes wideman’s efforts, Didier Deschamps’ side prevailed.
However, Doku earned praise from Emmanuel Petit, who commented on his display for Belgium against France on talkSPORT (01/07/2024, 6:56 pm).
Petit said: “Well, I really liked [Jeremy] Doku in this game. I think he was the only one from Belgium, you know, to be a real danger for the defenders.”
Jeremy Doku never hides in big games
The Premier League winner is far from the finished article.
However, what perhaps impressed Emmanuel Petit and should blow others away as well about Doku is how he never shies away from the big occassions.
Even for Manchester City in his debut campaign, the Antwerp-born forward has always tried to make an impact on games rather than waiting on the more senior players to help him ease into proceedings.
In some of these big games, Doku has showcased his electrifying talent while in others, he has struggled to impose himself.
But on the whole, the Belgian international’s mentality is impressive, especially for a player as young as he is.
When Doku becomes a more polishes player, his fearless mindset could play a major role in his development as a potentially world-class forward one day.