Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure must get back to best form
Everton have bolstered their midfield options this summer, and Frank Lampard now has got loads of options.
Despite sending Andre Gomes and Jean Phillipe-Gbamin on loan, the Toffees do have plenty of depth in midfield, and there is now tremendous competition for places.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, signed by Carlo Ancelotti, has been one of the first players on the teamsheet, but could now face an uncertain future if he fails to hit the best form.
The 29-year-old impressed heavily at the start of last season under Rafael Benitez where he was given a free role in midfield. But as Everton struggled, Doucoure’s form also dropped significantly.
Under Lampard, he has been used as a box-to-box midfielder, but we hardly saw those buccaneering runs into the box from him.
This season, it could be different. The likes of Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana would provide stability in midfield. They are rock solid defensive midfielders and it would allow the likes of Doucoure and Allan to flourish.
But, they have to earn their place. James Garner is expected to play in a more advanced role, while Lampard has Tom Davies and Alex Iwobi as well.
Doucoure has a contract at the club until 2023. There are no signs yet from the club that they are willing to offer him an extension. But he remains a key player.
Put simply, he is no longer a guaranteed starter on the side. He needs to seize his opportunity and show his class.
Clubs tend to hesitate to offer long-term contracts to players who are approaching the 30-year mark, but he needs to earn that contract.
Hopefully, Lampard will give him the freedom to express himself, and this is where Doucoure can really flourish once again.