Sean Dyche has created Everton monster in Abdoulaye Doucoure, midfielder keeping pace with Jude Bellingham
Everton have once again been disappointing this season, with the Toffees winning just two of their nine Premier League matches so far.
Their seven points put them 16th in the league table, just three points above the dreaded relegation zone, although fortunately it is still the early stages of the campaign.
There haven’t been many reasons for manager Sean Dyche to smile this season, but one has now emerged in the form of Abdoulaye Doucoure.
The midfielder has proven over the years that he is vital at both ends of the pitch, with his tackling and passing accompanying his ability to find the back of the net.
And his efforts in the current Premier League campaign have now earned him a spot alongside some of Europe’s leading players, including Real Madrid and England star Jude Bellingham.
As per Squawka (24 October), the Toffees ace is one of just four players in Europe’s big five divisions to have registered 10+ shots on target, created 10+ chances, made 10+ tackles and completed 10+ take-ons in the league this season.
He is joined by Madrid’s Bellingham, Tottenham ace James Maddison and Real Betis star Isco. It is a remarkable achievement for the Toffees man, particularly given how poor the Merseyside outfit have been in recent months.
Isco’s Betis, in contrast, sit ninth in La Liga, with Bellingham’s Madrid sitting top of the pile, much like Maddison’s Tottenham in the Premier League.
Everton boss Dyche will be proud of his player, but the man in the dugout needs all of his squad to be at their very best if they are to rise up the ranks as the campaign progresses.
In other Everton news, a BBC Sport journalist has blasted an “inexplicable” incident in the recent Merseyside Derby defeat to Liverpool, which the Reds won 2-0.