Joe Parkison blown away by Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure
Former Everton hero Joe Parkinson has showered heaps of praise on midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Parkison, who was a member of the Toffees side that defeated Manchester United in the 1995 FA Cup final to secure Everton’s last piece of silverware, is heavily impressed with Doucoure’s transformation this season.
The Toffees have made an impressive start to the season, sitting fifth in the Premier League, only two points behind league leaders Chelsea.
Doucoure has been outstanding this season for the Toffees.
The 28-year-old did well in his debut campaign under Carlo Ancelotti last term, but his influence on the side is deeply felt under Rafael Benitez.
The Spaniard has transformed his game completely where Doucoure is being urged to join the attack more frequently rather than sitting deep.
Doucoure has scored two goals and provided four assists in seven Premier League games thus far, and Parkison hopes that he continues to keep the form going throughout the campaign.
“I’m a big fan of Abdoulaye Doucoure. I remember watching him playing for Watford against Everton at Goodison and he scored a goal and I liked him then,” said Parkison to Liverpool Echo.
“He’s just getting better and better and he’s listening to Rafa who is telling him to get forward more.
“He seems to be a bundle of energy and we’re using him in the right way and Allan is just sitting in there and dictating at times.
“Hopefully, we can keep them fit, because they’re such a massive part of what we’re trying to achieve and the way we want to play.”
Optimism
The Toffees operated on a tight budget this summer, but the new signings have made a huge impact.
Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray have been outstanding this season, proving to be masterstroke signings.
In midfield, Allan has been brilliant and the tactical flexibility has allowed Doucoure to play the box-to-box role, where he has excelled.
He brings with him bundles of energy and has the ability to pick the right passes. Everton will get stronger once Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison return to the side from injuries.
Another interesting point is, Everton have been winning games at Goodison Park, something they failed to do last season on a regular basis.
After the international break, the Toffees face back to back home games against West Ham and Watford, and Benitez will be looking to pick up maximum points from those fixtures.
In other Everton news, the Toffees should be in pole position for one of their targets in January.