Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure in talks to play for Mali in World Cup playoff next month
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is undergoing negotiations to play for Mali in March’s World Cup playoff against Tunisia, according to Foot Mercato.
The 29-year-old currently has his allegiance to France but he has never appeared for the senior team and a call-up doesn’t look to be on the horizon with him out injured at the moment.
He could appear at the 2022 Qatar World Cup in November if he chooses to switch to Malian nationality and they are able to win their African playoff.
Foot Mercato report that Doucoure has already been asked several times to pledge his international career with the Eagles but he has declined every time.
The same can be said for Lyon striker Moussa Dembele who is also in talks over a switch, as is RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure (already an eight-time full international for Mali).
Sensible move
You can understand why Doucoure would prefer to pay for France over Mali given the enormous difference in stature in the modern game.
But at 29 years of age already, he is very unlikely to suddenly receive a call-up ahead of the likes of N’Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Adrien Rabiot.
He could be a World Cup player in less than a year if he accepts Mali’s requests whereas he has next to no chance of that if he sticks with France.
The Eagles have never qualified for a World Cup but they are just one victory (over two legs) away from doing so for the very first time and it would be a fantastic thing to be a part of.
It all lies upon where Doucoure sees his nationality and whether he is happy to be someone who was near. but never at an international level.
From the outside looking in, you cant’ see too many reasons why he wouldn’t take the leap and play for Mali at such an exciting time in the nation’s football history.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell has predicted the XI Frank Lampard will select away at Southampton on Saturday.