Matthew Shaw

Mon 27 September 2021 6:30, UK

Garth Crooks was left blown away by Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure in the 2-0 win over Norwich.

The Toffees returned to winning ways in the Premier League, with the Frenchman scoring the all-important second goal.

Crooks labelled Doucoure as “outstanding” and hailed his goal as he was named in his Team of the Week.

Writing in his BBC column, Crooks singled out Doucoure for all of the praise after the much-needed 2-0 win.

“Doucoure can run for fun and has the ability to score the occasional goal. When he does, they tend to be stunners,” he wrote.

“He was outstanding against a Norwich side who I have said on repeated occasions are doomed, but they did have a go at Everton.

“What was interesting about this performance by the Toffees was, considering a number of big names were out of the side through injury, they put together a very creditable performance.”

Outstanding.

There are so many players benefitting from Rafa Benitez arriving.

Allan and Doucoure are two of those, with the added responsibility in midfield clearly rubbing off on them in the best way possible.

Given it is a flat 4-4-2, both are desperately needed in defence and also going forward, and there couldn’t be a better blend between the two.

The power that Doucoure possesses is a joke at times, and the way he strode forward effortlessly past the Norwich defence before slotting home was perfect.

Doucoure should be even better when the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison return, with the ball likely to stick in the final third more.

That should unleash him in an attacking sense, and we can’t wait to see it already – bring it on.

In other Everton news, ‘Delightful’ – Micah Richards blown away by one Toffees star v Norwich live on MOTD

Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.