Everton: Abdoulaye Doucoure must hit reset button after dismal display v Burnley
Sean Dyche will be buzzing to claim all three points against Burnley as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory for Everton on Saturday (6 April).
The out-of-form striker took advantage of an Arijanet Muric howler, scoring for the second time in as many matches, helping the Toffees to earn four points against Newcastle United and Burnley.
It was an extremely vital victory at Goodison Park, with Brentford and Luton Town both claiming points at the bottom of the Premier League table.
There is one player Dyche will be expecting more of, however. Abdoulaye Doucoure’s return from injury was long-awaited by the Evertonians but the midfielder is yet to rediscover his previous form.
The Mali international remains Everton’s top goalscorer in the league this season, even despite Calvert-Lewin’s latest exploits, though his last goal contribution came in the 2-0 win over Chelsea in December.
Abdoulaye Doucoure must step up as Everton battle against relegation
When it comes to crunch time at Goodison Park, many will hope that Doucoure is one of the first players on the team to step up.
His energy and determination cannot be faulted but his performances have not been up to scratch, having returned from a long-term injury for Everton’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in February.
The 31-year-old played all 90 minutes on Saturday, only maintaining a 54 per cent pass accuracy, as per FotMob, as he attempted to support Calvert-Lewin in attack. This was far below his 77 per cent average. [FotMob]
Doucoure will also need to work on his shooting in training, having taken two shots against the Clarets but registering a zero per cent accuracy.
He showed glimmers of his previous form during the match with his dribbling ability. Doucoure completed the most dribbles out of anyone on the field (3), registering a 75 per cent success rate.
Though he was a nuisance in midfield, winning 50 per cent of his tackles, 64 per cent of his ground duels and 75 per cent of his aerial duels, being caught offside four times left a lot to be desired.
Dyche will be aware that his squad lacks depth this season, as it has done so before, which is probably why he cannot afford to give Doucoure a rest at all. So, the midfielder must take it upon himself to reset and help Everton to escape the threat of relegation.
In other Everton news, a journalist has cast doubt over Dyche’s future at Goodison Park.
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