Pep Guardiola hailed two of his Manchester City stars as "extraordinary" following their commanding 3-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, a result that moved the reigning champions closer to Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
The spotlight fell on winger Jeremy Doku, who broke the deadlock at the Etihad Stadium with a stunning curled effort into the top-right corner just after the hour mark. The goal, which Doku dedicated to his father on his 60th birthday, was a testament to his growing maturity and confidence on the pitch.
But Guardiola's praise went beyond the Belgian's technical brilliance. In his post-match press conference, the City boss revealed a deeper transformation in the 22-year-old, touching on his personal growth and newfound faith.
"He's an incredible professional and I think his soul now is so calm, with his own life. He became so religious – and that helps as well," Guardiola explained. "Everybody knows he's made an incredible step in the sense of saying, 'I AM JEREMY DOKU, I AM GOING TO WIN GAMES!' The big players, the greatest players, always have that mentality."
It's a shift that Guardiola had hinted at earlier in the week, describing Doku as "amazing" and noting his decisive improvement in end product and winning attitude. For a player often known for his explosive pace and dribbling, this inner calm appears to be the missing piece that's elevated his game to new heights.
Alongside Doku, midfielder Tijjani Reijnders also earned glowing praise from his manager. The Dutch international, a summer signing from AC Milan, delivered a dynamic performance in a rare start, replacing Nico Gonzalez and making his presence felt with powerful runs into the box.
Guardiola didn't hold back in his assessment, labeling Reijnders as "extraordinary" for his ability to break lines and create chances from deep positions. At 27, the Netherlands star has brought a blend of technical quality and physicality that City have been craving in midfield, and his display against Brentford underlined exactly why Guardiola pursued him last summer.
The victory not only snapped City's recent stutter but also showcased the depth of talent at Guardiola's disposal. With Doku finding his rhythm and Reijnders proving his worth, the champions look well-equipped for the final stretch of the season.