Everton are enjoying a rare period of success on the pitch at the moment, having won six of their last nine in all competitions, and established a crucial gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
Sean Dyche is the man to whom the fanbase owes plenty, as a manager who has come in and fixed key issues at Goodison Park to restore some stability at last.
Whilst many might laud the solid defence he has crafted, or the incisive counter-attacking offence he is instilling, it would be hard not to look to Abdoulaye Doucoure as one of his biggest success stories since his January appointment.
With the Mali international seemingly headed for the exit door under Frank Lampard, the 52-year-old came in and made him his star man, through whom the bulk of their attacking success went.
His relationship with Evertonians has in turn been restored, with his latest interview detailing the ‘love’ he holds for his fanbase just weeks after praising the manager.
Speaking to Everton’s official website, the 30-year-old noted: ‘At the moment things feel great. We know this season we wanted to change things compared to the last two seasons. We are going the right way but we want to keep going.
‘I feel the love here, I am very happy. I committed last week to a new contract with the Club, so obviously I am more than happy to stay here. I love the fans, the way they look at me and love me, I just want to repay that back and give everything for the Club.’
How good is Abdoulaye Doucoure?
Whilst hardly the most orthodox figure, with his gangly legs and awkward running style making for painful viewing at times, few can argue with the impressive output he has posted for a side that seemed down and out under Lampard and Rafa Benitez.
After all, his five goals last campaign led to him being the club’s second-top scorer in the league behind only Dwight McNeil, despite only featuring in the second half of the season.
His strikes proved vital, with a goal against relegation rivals Nottingham Forest before his vital finish against AFC Bournemouth secured their Premier League status.
Already he has four goals this term, suggesting it could prove to be his most profitable yet with the consistent and ever-improving backing of his home support.
With a new contract too, such a show of faith only emphasises just how far the former Watford man has come, from a star exiled from first-team training to the spearhead of Everton‘s free-flowing attacking system.
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