Paul Merson claims incoming Everton duo are ‘just what the doctor ordered’
Paul Merson has claimed that incoming Everton duo Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan are “just what the doctor ordered” this summer.
The Sky Sports pundit believes that the signing of James Rodriguez raises more questions as he hasn’t hit the ground running in recent seasons.
Merson did claim that if the Colombian did hit form early at Goodison Park, he could become a game-changer in Merseyside.
Merson admitted that the arrival of Doucoure and Allan means that the old efficient Everton are finally returning to the Premier League.
“James Rodriguez is a wait and see signing for Everton,” he wrote in the Daily Star. “But they signed two other players that instantly make them better.
“Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan are just what the doctor ordered. They needed energy in midfield and now they’ve got it. Both of them are even more important signings than James.
“Rodriguez, if he catches fire, could be a game-changer. But it hasn’t worked out for him for the last couple of years so we’ll have to wait and see.
“It’s Allan and Doucoure that Everton fans should be more excited about. Bringing them in, I think that’s coming back to the old Everton now.”
Carlo Ancelotti had a couple of problems facing him ahead of the new season in midfield before these new arrivals, with some injury problems.
Andre Gomes returned home early from international duty with an injury scare, with Tom Davies and Gylfi Sigurdsson not impressing during pre-season in some disappointing results.
Allan and Doucoure could be guaranteed to start against Tottenham on Sunday with these problems, and Rodriguez should get on to prove himself once again under Ancelotti.
There are exciting times ahead.
In other Everton news, Mark Lawrenson predicts Toffees clash against Tottenham