An 18-year-old Jérémy Doku arrived in Rennes for €26m in the summer of 2020 - the most expensive transfer in the club's history at the time. Nearly three years later, the winger is still struggling to establish himself as an important member of Bruno Genesio's starting XI.

Injury hoodoo

The fault lies in inconsistent performances, but also in regular injuries.

"He is still a young player who has had a lot of physical problems," explained the Rennes boss. "When you're in that situation, as soon as you start training again, you say to yourself 'I hope I don't get injured'. It's not easy to live with."

Last season, Doku, too often let down by these injury issues, played only 700 minutes, or 18 matches in all competitions. Since the start of this season, Bruno Genesio has used the former Anderlecht player more off the bench.

Renaissance!

But for the past three weeks, Doku has been going through his best period in the red and black shirt. As crazy as it may sound, the Belgian scored his first goal at Roazhon Park on 15th April against Reims, after 31 months of waiting. Doku has now scored four goals in his last two home matches.

But nothing has surprised the Breton's coach.

"Above all, he has put a lot more consistency into all the training he does," explained Genesio. "He is now being rewarded. I often say that we play the way we train. That suits Jérémy perfectly at the moment. I think he brings that consistency to his game for the team."

In the absence of the injured Martin Terrier, Rennes were looking for a new attacking leader and, since the end of February, Doku has been doing everything to suggest that he's up to the task.

The Belgian's Ligue 1 Uber Eats career seems to be well under way now. With a visit from Troyes on the horizon, Rennes will be counting on their new star man to help them secure European qualification for a sixth consecutive season.