Abdoulaye Doucoure in stitches at what Everton fan posted after Liverpool incident
Abdoulaye Doucoure has become a firm fan favourite at Everton with his performances since arriving in 2020.
The 32-year-old Mali midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and could bring his five-year association with the Toffees to an end, having played a pivotal part in their recent history.
Doucoure scored the decisive goal against Bournemouth which kept the Blues in the top flight in May 2023, and though not always the most consistent performer, he has hit new heights in recent weeks.
David Moyes’ return to Merseyside seems to have unlocked a new lease of life for Doucoure at Goodison Park, and his stock has only increased after what happened against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Abdoulaye Doucoure reacts to Everton fan’s wish on social media
Doucoure’s displays – both his ability on the ball and willingness to get under the opposition’s skin – have only endeared him to Evertonians further, with one making a demand on social media.
X user @nsno–83 posted on the site with images of Doucoure’s reactions to both Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot after the post-match fracas against Liverpool, sparked by his goading of the away end.
The Malian ‘shushing’ the away end was also pictured, as was his strike against Leicester City last weekend and his celebrations after Anthony Gordon missed a penalty for Newcastle in October.
The post from @nsno_83 was captioned with “I’m sorry, but give him that new contract” – to which Doucoure replied with a laughing emoji, accompanied by a blue heart.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Everton fans united on contract situation
It’s quite clear Evertonians want Doucoure to stay put this summer and play at their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium next season, and his response on X suggests that the midfielder feels the exact same way.
Doucoure is one of 13 Toffees players out of contract at season’s end, but while the situation of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has divided opinion among fans, Doucoure is a player who most will want to keep.
At 32, the Malian isn’t getting any younger and will need to be moved on at some point, but having triggered a contract extension to play on this season, hopes are high that he’ll do the same again.
Though Doucoure has just one goal – that first-minute strike against Leicester – and no assists to his name this term, his pressing ability and work off the ball has made him a key component of Moyes’ side.
Changes aplenty are in store for the Blues this summer, both in terms of their new ground and the make-up of the squad, but if there’s one player who will meet the standard during this transition, it’s Doucoure.