Toby Alderweireld has expressed to GOAL that Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku embodies “pure football”, describing him as a “dangerous” player capable of lighting up the 2026 World Cup for Belgium. With the world’s top footballers preparing to descend on North America, fans are eager to witness dynamic talents like Doku who can bring excitement and flair to the biggest stage.

Doku has vindicated Manchester City’s £55 million investment in him, delivering a fruitful club season that saw him score eight goals and provide 12 assists in 47 appearances. As part of a star-studded line-up at the Etihad Stadium, he celebrated both Carabao Cup and FA Cup victories.

At 24, the lightning-fast winger continues to evolve with each campaign, unlocking new levels of potential. The coming season will mark a new phase for him at Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola concluding a glittering 10-year tenure as manager.

Incoming coach Enzo Maresca is expected to take on the challenge of following in Guardiola’s footsteps and is likely to assign Doku a key role in both Premier League and Champions League campaigns. The £55 million ($74m) deal with Rennes, completed in 2023, is already proving to be a sound investment.

Now a Premier League title winner, Doku has also earned 42 international caps for Belgium. While the nation’s famed ‘Golden Generation’ is beginning to disperse, new leaders like Doku are emerging to carry the mantle forward.

When asked whether Doku could become the central figure of Belgium’s next generation, former national team defender Alderweireld, speaking exclusively to GOAL in association with BOYLE Sports, replied: “Yes, of course. Some people say Jeremy Doku doesn’t have the same number of assists and goals as the biggest names in world football. But people shouldn’t overlook how dangerous he is.

“Opponents often assign one, two, or even three players to contain him, and that creates space elsewhere on the pitch. Other teammates benefit from that. I think he’s our main talisman,” Alderweireld continued.

“He’s so talented—quick, powerful, and fearless. Even if a dribble doesn’t come off, he keeps going again and again. That’s his strength. He never hesitates or plays safe; he attacks relentlessly. For Belgium, at this World Cup, he’s our key player.”

Doku is viewed as a rare type of footballer in today’s game—one who relishes running directly at defenders and dazzling them with inventive skill. When asked whether Doku shares traits with Brazilian legends Neymar and Ronaldinho, Alderweireld responded: “Yes, definitely. Even without focusing on goals and assists, he’s a joy to watch.

“Fans come to the stadium for him. When people tune in to a World Cup match featuring Belgium, they’ll be eager to see Doku in action, to see how he takes on opponents. It’s wonderful to watch. That’s pure football. Doku is pure football.”

Belgium, still boasting the quality of Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku, will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on Monday. Doku will aim to help his side make a strong start as Belgium prepare to compete as dark horses for major international honours.

Alderweireld shared his insights with GOAL as part of a collaboration with BOYLE Sports’ “2 Goals Ahead” offer. This promotion allows fans to back a team and enjoy an early payout if their side goes two goals up at any stage of a 90-minute match (for example, 2-0, 3-1, 4-2), regardless of the final result.