Abdoulaye Doucoure has experienced a renaissance under current manager Sean Dyche. The midfielder was out of favour with Frank Lampard, not being named in any of the last 18 gameday squads while he was still in charge. A change of position and a new manager have seen his form turn around and Doucoure is now considered one of Everton’s most important players.
Abdoulaye Doucoure Is Everton’s Best Hope Of Staying In The Premier League
Life Before Sean Dyche
At Watford Doucoure was deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, his large frame and rangy playstyle capturing the eye of Everton. A £20 million transfer fee and ‘Doucs’ made the move to the Merseyside.
During his time with the Toffees, the 31-year-old has been under four different managers, predominantly playing as a defensive midfielder during his time at the club. He did not need to play higher up the pitch with the likes of James Rodriguez and Richarlison occupying the more attacking roles.
Excelling In New Role
Under Dyche, the midfielder has molded himself into a top-class second striker, becoming vital to the manager’s tactics. Under previous managers at Everton, he scored just four league goals in 79 matches. Since the appointment of the former Burnley boss, the Malian international has scored 11 goals in his 37 games in all competitions.
Now deployed as a second striker, he can apply pressure further up the field. He leads the league in tackles plus interceptions as a forward with 2.25 per 90 minutes. A dynamic role that makes the most of his defensive capabilities while his eye for the goal can be shown on the other end of the pitch.
Doucoure is also the Toffees’ leading goal scorer in the Premier League this season with six goals. But his most important goal came against Bournemouth on the final matchday last season securing Everton’s Premier League status.
Importance to Everton’s Results
Since his transfer in 2020, Everton have won only three games without Doucoure starting the match. A trend that has carried over into Dyche’s tenure.
The manager has failed to win any Premier League games without him in his first eleven. Tallying an average of 0.3 points per game with him out of the squad, a vast drop off from the 1.4 averaged with him starting.
Doucoure’s presence can be felt on both ends of the pitch. With goals scored and goals conceded being dramatically worse in his absence. The Blues have a -1.3 goal differential while he is on the sideline, compared to a -0.1 when on the pitch.
Everton’s Premier League status could rely on the former Stade Rennais player, his return from injury coming at a crucial time. The club is now five points clear of the relegation zone but are winless in their previous nine league games. With a second charge possibly further reducing their points tally, Doucoure may once again have to provide late-season heroics.
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