Alan Shearer impressed by Abdoulaye Doucoure in Everton 1-1 v Man Utd
Alan Shearer was blown away by the performance of Abdoulaye Doucoure as Everton held Manchester United to a draw on Saturday.
The French midfielder supplied Andros Townsend with an inch-perfect assist as the Toffees drew level 20 minutes into the second-half.
Doucoure has been involved in six Premier League goals so far in 2021-22, and Shearer believes Rafa Benitez’s decision to offer him the license to attack is yielding dividends.
The former striker included the Toffees star in the official Team of the Week.
He said: “Rafael Benitez has given him more freedom and he is thriving.
“The Frenchman’s bursting run to set up Everton’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United is typical of his displays this season.”
Tactical nous
Benitez has made some changes since becoming Everton manager in the summer, and they are working given his side’s brilliant start to the campaign.
With four wins, two draws and a defeat heading into the international break, it is a solid beginning for the Toffees, and not many fans would have seen such impressive results coming.
He was not given much of a chance given his Liverpool history, but the Champions League-winning manager has proven what he is capable of doing in such a short while.
Allowing Doucoure to attack more is looking like a masterstroke already, and Everton have done well in the absences of two key attackers – Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
The Frenchman has always had an eye for goals, and he has done it consistently since the campaign started.
If he keeps it up, he could become a France international very soon, and Benitez will be looking to help him achieve such a feat.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are in hunt for new coach after exit left void in key behind-the-scenes area.
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