DistantNews
Support us
Doku needs more support to shine for Belgium at World Cup, says teammate
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

Doku needs more support to shine for Belgium at World Cup, says teammate

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Belgium winger Jeremy Doku needs more support to perform effectively at the World Cup, according to teammate Dodi Lukebakio.
  • Doku has been largely ineffective despite Belgium's progress to the knockout stage, facing personal challenges including becoming a new father and illness.
  • Lukebakio expressed confidence in Doku's abilities when fit and healthy, while also discussing Belgium's upcoming match against the United States.

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku requires greater support to unlock his potential and become a decisive player for his country at the World Cup, stated teammate Dodi Lukebakio. Doku, who was anticipated to be a key figure for Belgium, has struggled to make a significant impact thus far, despite the team reaching the last 16.

Jeremy is like a brother to me. It's understandable that things have been difficult for him so far.

— Dodi LukebakioLukebakio expressed empathy for Doku's personal challenges affecting his performance.

Lukebakio acknowledged Doku's personal difficulties, including the recent birth of his child and illness, which have understandably affected his performance. "Jeremy is like a brother to me. It's understandable that things have been difficult for him so far," Lukebakio told reporters. He emphasized Doku's ambition and work ethic, adding, "Jeremy is a very good player. I think he deserves more support from everyone because when he's fit and playing well, you all know how much damage he can do to the opposition."

He became a father, and he was also very ill. I know how ambitious he is and how hard he works.

— Dodi LukebakioLukebakio detailed the personal reasons behind Doku's struggles.

Doku missed Belgium's second group game after traveling to London for the birth of his first child but participated in the other three matches. Lukebakio recalled his own strong performance against the United States in a friendly earlier in the year, where he scored twice in a 5-2 victory. However, he cautioned that the upcoming World Cup match against the co-hosts will be a different challenge.

Jeremy is a very good player. I think he deserves more support from everyone because when he's fit and playing well, you all know how much damage he can do to the opposition.

— Dodi LukebakioLukebakio advocated for increased support for Doku, highlighting his potential impact.

"But they're a completely different team now," Lukebakio said. "At a World Cup, everything is different, and this time they'll certainly have all of their fans behind them. It'll be a 50-50 contest." Belgium is set to face the United States in Seattle on Monday.

But they're a completely different team now. At a World Cup, everything is different, and this time they'll certainly have all of their fans behind them. It'll be a 50-50 contest.

— Dodi LukebakioLukebakio commented on the upcoming World Cup match against the United States, emphasizing the different context compared to a previous friendly.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog