Abdoulaye Doucoure explains why he enjoys playing under Everton boss Sean Dyche

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Abdoulaye Doucoure has highlighted what he is really enjoying at Everton this season.

Speaking to Liverpool Echo, the midfielder admitted that he likes the ‘freedom’ Sean Dyche has given him.

Abdoulaye Doucoure joined Everton from Watford in 2020 and quickly became a regular in the starting line-up.

However, the ‘excellent’ 30-year-old was often used further back, with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and James Rodriguez occupying the most forward position in the middle of the park.

Doucoure netted four goals between moving to Goodison Park and Sean Dyche arriving, while he has already claimed a further eight in the ten months that the Everton boss has been at the club.

Doucoure became key in front of goal in the second half of the previous campaign, scoring the goal that kept the Toffees in the Premier League against Bournemouth. This season he has been pushed even further forward and has flourished behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, earning himself a bumper new contract to become the club’s highest earner.

The Mali international has claimed that, why it can be ‘hard’ sometimes, he is really enjoying his new position.

“I enjoy it so far. The statistics show it – they’re very good,” Doucoure said.

“Sometimes it’s hard because it’s not my natural position. Sometimes I like to come from behind, but I’m ready to play any position.

“The manager gives me a bit of freedom and allows me to come on the left, sometimes in the middle. He just wants to make sure I’m in the first line of pressing for the team because he knows I have the legs to press the opponents.

“After that, I have the freedom to score goals and make some assists, so it’s been good.”

Is Abdoulaye Doucoure good enough?

Sean Dyche has completely transformed Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The midfielder has made a huge impact as more of an attacking midfielder and is a major threat to any backline in the Premier League.

It’s a real shame that Doucoure is approaching his 31st birthday, because he may well be on the decline after this season. While he has been a success this year, Everton should know they need to be aiming higher if they ever want to escape the deja vu of relegation battles every season.

The Toffees have looked much better in recent weeks, but that’s not enough. Abdoulaye Doucoure should be far from the player they are relying on.