Jeremy Doku has spoken candidly about embracing a bigger role with Belgium at this summer's World Cup, declaring that the younger generation of Red Devils must relieve the pressure on veterans Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

The Manchester City winger arrives at his second World Cup a different player from the teenager who appeared in Qatar in 2022. Now with a £55 million move to City behind him and three seasons working under Pep Guardiola, Doku carries both the confidence and the responsibility that come with being one of Belgium's key attacking threats.

A new role on the international stage

"This will be my second World Cup, but my first with a different role, a more important role," Doku told FourFourTwo. "People will look towards me more to make a difference with the experience I have now."

Doku was just 19 when he featured in Roberto Martinez's squad in Qatar, then still a Rennes player finding his feet on the biggest stage. The leap from that moment to now is substantial — and he knows it.

"Playing for City, and how I've been performing, it's given me another role in the national team," he said. "It's my turn to take more responsibility — especially in the bad moments, when maybe it's more difficult, when we're losing or not playing that well. I can go and get the ball, show no fear, play my game and be dangerous, to create opportunities for the team."

He also pointed to a shift in his mentality, one he attributes to life at Manchester City. "I have a real winner's mentality — especially after playing for City, that really grew in me," Doku said. "I'm not shy, I'm not hiding behind anyone. I'm speaking my mind — in a respectful way, obviously — to try to bring the team forward."

Taking the burden from De Bruyne and Lukaku

Belgium's golden generation is approaching its final chapter. De Bruyne is 34, Lukaku is 33 — and this World Cup is widely expected to be the last for both. Doku acknowledged that reality with clarity and respect.

"They've contributed so much to our country, and we're happy they're here and still performing at the highest level for us," he said. "With their age, at one point they won't be there any more and we're conscious of that — the other players must stand up. It's our duty to take that burden off them, as the country must keep on performing."

No regrets, whatever happens

Belgium enter the tournament having suffered a group-stage exit in Qatar, a sharp fall from the third-place finish they claimed in Russia in 2018. Doku is under no illusions about where his side stand in the pecking order — but he refuses to let that dampen ambition.

"We know we're not the favourites, but maybe that will work in our favour," he said. "We want to leave without any regrets — so that if we leave, we've given everything we have. Whatever is in my power, I'll do it."