Sky Sports journalist wowed by ‘potent weapon’ Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton ace is a ‘pressing machine’
Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is a “potent weapon” for Sean Dyche, according to Sky Sports journalist Adam Bate.
The 30-year-old joined the Toffees from Watford in September 2020, and has made 110 appearances for the Merseyside outfit.
A total of 15 of those appearances have come in all competitions this season, with the Mali international scoring four goals.
“At 30, Doucoure, playing in an advanced role in support of the striker, has blossomed as scorer and creator,” Bate wrote for Sky Sports. “He has four goals but based on the non-penalty expected-goals data, calculated post-shot, he should have six. Only half a dozen players can better that.
“In terms of chances created from open play, he also ranks seventh, having created 16 opportunities for his team-mates. Interestingly, the six players who have created more are all playing for teams in the top six. That makes him a potent weapon for Everton.
“Doucoure might not look like a playmaker. But the role of this one-man pressing machine in Everton’s upturn in results should not be underestimated.”
Key player
Doucoure has really established himself as a key member of Dyche’s side, with the midfielder constantly putting in top displays for the Merseyside club.
He has also taken on some of the goalscoring burden in recent times, which hasn’t been easy given the club’s lack of goals in the last few seasons.
Doucoure has popped up with several important strikes, primarily against Bournemouth on the last day of last season to ensure Everton stayed in the Premier League.
And Toffees supporters can expect similarly important moments in the months to come, with Doucoure recently extending his stay at Goodison Park.
The midfielder has used all of his experience this season to help grind out some huge wins for the Toffees, and he must do it all over again after the club’s recent 10-point deduction for a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules.
Dyche won’t be able to rely upon all members of his squad in this uphill battle, but he can certainly rely on Doucoure.
In other Everton news, Kaveh Solhekol has made a Toffees Premier League relegation prediction on Sky Sports following their 10-point deduction.