Kealan Hughes

Fri 5 February 2021 16:09, UK

Everton face a big test against Manchester United on Saturday but Abdoulaye Doucoure could provide the key for victory.

The Toffees have been inconsistent of late but got back on track with an impressive victory against Leeds on Wednesday.

Goalscorers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Gylfi Sigurdsson made significant contributions but it was Doucoure who most impressed fans.

He played a vital role in breaking up a fluid Leeds side that looked to dominate the ball, and he has a similar responsibility on Saturday.

The Red Devils will be flying high after a remarkable 9-0 win over Southampton in mid-week.

It is up to Doucoure and his midfield partner Tom Davies to provide protection for the defence in order to stop Man United from running rampant.

If Wednesday’s match is anything to go by, the Frenchman is more than capable of completing that task.

Above is a good example of Doucoure’s work rate and how he helps out the back four.

Leeds’ Mateusz Klich plays a ball to the left flank, leaving Mason Holgate one-on-one with Jack Harrison, but Doucoure steps in to win the ball despite Alex Iwobi being ideally placed to do so.

He made an incredible seven interceptions on Wednesday, per WyScout, with the image below depicting his brilliant reading and understanding of play.

Stuart Dallas picks up the ball in a promising position as he could go forwards or backward to create danger.

Thanks to his starting position Doucoure is able to quickly turn in either direction to shut down space, and on this occasion won the ball off Raphinha as soon as he received the pass.

Against players like Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba this is vital, as both have proved this season that they are capable of scoring from such positions.

Next, let’s have a look at how Doucoure performed on the ball.

This move displayed the positive attitude of the 28-year-old.

He picks up the ball and has just one thing on his mind – to exploit the space available and create a chance for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

He puts his striker through on goal, and his ability to turn defence into attack will be vital in a match where Man United will likely control possession.

Everton surrendered the ball in home wins against Chelsea and Arsenal with 28% and 42% possession in each, so Carlo Ancelotti may look to replicate that successful style.

Below is an example of how Doucoure is key to the counter-attack.

Doucoure shows great anticipation to cut out a pass by Pablo Hernandez in the first image before sprinting downfield.

He then slipped in Calvert-Lewin for a golden opportunity, but the striker failed to add a third.

To show such energy late-on in the game is impressive, and will prove essential in combating the threat of United’s midfield.

It is little surprise that Doucoure earned a SofaScore rating of 7.6 for his performance against Leeds – the highest of any outfield player on the pitch.

Keeping a close eye on Fernandes and stopping passes to Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani is key.

An average of 3.8 interceptions per game (WyScout) this term shows Doucoure can be that man.

And we certainly need him to perform to that standard again if we are to make it back-to-back wins.

In other Everton news, ‘Tough game’ – Exclusive: Campbell predicts Everton v Manchester United result.