By Liam Thomas

7th Feb, 2023 | 7:10pm

Everton must unleash reborn Abdoulaye Doucoure in Merseyside derby v Liverpool

Sean Dyche must unleash Everton maestro Abdoulaye Doucoure against Liverpool on 13 February after his stellar outing against Arsenal.

Doucoure lost the faith of Frank Lampard at the Toffees and was banished to the shadow realm of Finch Farm to train by himself in the former Chelsea boss’ final days.

Now, freelance journalist Peter Guy has described Doucoure as “reborn” under the guidance of Dyche and this is something the Toffees should utilise.

“The Sean Dyche effect was immediate and effective,” said Guy on Twitter. (4 February, 2:27 PM)

“McNeil and Doucoure reborn.”

Potent.

Dyche’s midfield three of Doucoure, Alex Iwobi and Idrissa Gueye was as potent as they come against Arsenal and surely he can’t opt against starting them again against Liverpool.

Doucoure was particularly good against the Gunners, showcasing high levels of energy and breaking the line with his runs, something this Toffees side needs.

And this could be pivotal against an out-of-sorts Liverpool midfield, which doesn’t know if it’s coming or going at this moment in time.

Maybe fans will finally get to see the Doucoure that was so brilliant for Watford, he seems to be loving life under Dyche so far.

It’s fair to say the Frenchman has received a heap load of criticism over the past 16 months or so too, but if he continues to perform as he did against Arsenal, it would be hard to drop him.

Who would have thought playing Doucoure in the number 10 role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be so effective? The Frenchman could be key to the Dyche ball we are witnessing.

For this alone, he must get the start against Liverpool.