JEREMY DOKU'S old coaches are amazed at his Manchester City success – believing he was lazy and not good enough for a European giant.
But now they reckon the £55million summer arrival from Rennes can become the "best player in the world".
The Belgium winger, 21, has notched three goals from 13 games in his first season in England, as well as five assists in nine Prem matches.
But Antwerp-born Doku angered bosses during eight years at Anderlecht.
Benoit Haegeman, the Belgians' youth-team coach, said: "Jeremy didn't like to run, didn't like to defend and didn't like to use the fitness room.
"He had a lot of self-belief, but everyone at Anderlecht thought he had a lot he needed to work on.
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"His left foot, his strength in the air and his positioning all needed to be better.
"Everyone at the club thought Jeremy was good enough to play professionally for Anderlecht or another team in Belgium.
"But not for a top European club such as Manchester City.
"We are a bit surprised by him, but above all very proud."
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Jan Verlinden, Doku's educational advisor at Anderlecht, added: "His greatest quality was 'dare and repeat'.
"Even when he would lose the ball he would try the same action again – sometimes to the great annoyance of his coaches.
"But a lot of foreign clubs, such as Liverpool and Chelsea, then began to follow his progress.
"Romelu Lukaku made a film in which he tried to convince Jeremy to complete his education with Anderlecht.
"I don't see why he can't go on to become the best player in the world. Anything is possible with him."
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