Everton: Alan Smith wowed by Abdoulaye Doucoure after what he did v Brentford
Alan Smith was wowed by Abdoulaye Doucoure after what he did for Everton in the first half against Brentford on Saturday (23 September).
Speaking on co-commentary for Sky Sports (05:36pm), the pundit said it was a “lovely take” from the Mali international after he put the Toffees ahead after six minutes.
He added that the 30-year-old midfielder connected with the half-volley “perfectly” to justify Sean Dyche’s decision to play him in a more advanced position against the Bees.
“It’s a lovely pick out from James Garner to find the goalscorer,” said Smith. “Beautifully directed header. Doucoure on the half-volley connects with it perfectly.
“Sean Dyche’s decision to play him further up the pitch played dividends early on here. What a lovely take that is.
“That should get rid of a few bad memories from that Arsenal game and this season in general if they can take it forward in this match.”
Encouraging
It was an extremely encouraging start from Everton as they came out of the traps quickly and immediately put Brentford under pressure.
It was an excellent ball into the middle from Garner and Doucoure showed great composure to smash the ball home when it dropped to him inside the box.
The midfielder has probably been the Blues’ best player at the start of this season despite the poor form that the side has been showing.
While he has typically been a box-to-box midfielder throughout much of his career, Dyche looks keen to try and get him more involved in the final third with his quality on the ball and in the air.
He adds a different dimension to the attack and the fans will be hoping he can score plenty more goals like that as the campaign goes on to help push them up the Premier League table.
In other Everton news, a £4million payoff update has emerged to sack Sean Dyche.