Sean Dyche must ‘shoehorn’ Abdoulaye Doucoure into the Everton starting XI – journo
Sean Dyche must “shoehorn” Abdoulaye Doucoure into the Everton starting 11 due to his “vital” goals, according to Ben Winstanley.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT (15 October), the journalist was critical of Doucoure, claiming others in the Toffees midfield have better passing and technique than the 30-year-old.
Doucoure has scored three goals for Everton in the Premier League this season which proved pivotal in helping the Toffees away from the relegation zone.
Winstanley said: “I think the injury to Idrissa Gueye on Saturday helped Everton and Dyche tactically. Obviously, Amadou Onana and James Garner are two young 21/22-year-old young up-and-coming talents and they took the game to Bournemouth.
“The likes of Philip Billing was there, who I think is an excellent player, but the pair of them bullied the Bournemouth midfield. So for me, what would I be doing?
“Abdoulaye Doucoure, regardless of whether you love him or loathe him, scores goals. He ultimately scores goals for his team, he scores vital goals and he might not be the best technically and he might not be the best passer of the football, but ultimately, goals win the game. So you’ve got to try and shoehorn him in.”
Crucial
Winstanley is perhaps quite harsh about Doucoure’s ability on the ball, but he is on the money regarding the Mali international’s impact on the side.
The Toffees would be in a much worse situation after the opening stages of the season without his goals, netting in Everton’s wins over Bournemouth and Brentford as well as the opener in their draw against Sheffield United.
Doucoure’s passing, while not world-class, ranks among the best in Dyche’s squad. Per FBRef, his 81.5 per cent passing accuracy leaves him seventh in the squad, while 66.7 per cent long ball accuracy is the second-best in the squad.
23 of his passes have led to an attempt on goal, the highest in the squad just below Amadou Onana’s 22.
Doucoure’s form in recent seasons has ebbed and flowed, but under Dyche, he has given some of his best performances in Everton blue. If relegation is to be avoided, the team will depend on his continued quality.
In other Everton news, a condition has now emerged on Sean Dyche being sacked amid trouble behind the scenes at Goodison Park.