Everton look set for a fairly smooth end to the 2024/25 season after struggling a lot in the first half of the campaign, and one player’s future could soon come into doubt ahead of the summer.
David Moyes has done a tremendous job for the Toffees since replacing Sean Dyche.
No manager has taken as many points as him since he arrived at Goodison Park, and at the moment Everton are 13 clear of the relegation zone.
On Saturday, Everton beat Crystal Palace to do the double over them, which hasn’t happened for 20 years.
Carlos Alcaraz and Beto were both on target for the visitors, and they looked pretty good together.
Indeed, Alan Shearer highlighted the Alcaraz and Beto partnership on Match of the Day hours later.
Alcaraz’s inclusion in the side was able to happen after Abdoulaye Doucoure picked up a red card against Liverpool – and that might just prove to be a very regrettable outcome for the Frenchman.
Abdoulaye Doucoure may regret red card against Liverpool
Doucoure made headlines last week when he earned himself a red card after the final whistle against Liverpool.
He had celebrated in front of the travelling Liverpool fans after James Tarkowski’s late equaliser, prompting Curtis Jones to come over and start a scuffle.
Both received second bookings, and therefore red cards. After the game, Moyes admitted he was ‘disappointed’ in Doucoure.
So Doucoure wasn’t an option for Moyes against Palace and in came Alcaraz – and it was a superb display from Everton’s newbie.
He looked really good in the 10 role, which is where Doucoure has been playing a lot this season.
Doucoure has not really impressed in the role, and that suspension he got allowed Carlos Alcaraz to come in and impress.
With James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye both doing well as the sitting pair, all of a sudden Doucoure’s starting prospects look in some doubt.
With his contract up at the end of the season, the arrival and instant impact of Alcaraz, and given his own form so far this campaign, it may well be that Doucoure has accidentally jeopardised his own Everton future by getting that red card.
Phil Jagielka says Doucoure will have been worried watching Alcaraz against Crystal Palace
Alcaraz really impressed against Palace, and scored his first goal since signing on loan from Flamengo.
Moyes admitted he almost took Alcaraz off before he scored against Palace, and Everton fans will be delighted the Scot didn’t give in to temptation.
After the game, former Toffee Phil Jagielka suggested Doucoure will have been worried by Alcaraz’s performance against Palace – and the £20 million signing (BBC Sport) may now be slightly concerned.
He said after the win against the Eagles: “He (Alcaraz) will fit in perfectly. And the interesting aspect now is he’s been given a game today potentially because Doucoure got a suspension from after the (Liverpool) game.
“I’m sure Doucoure will be at home really, really happy. But also really aware that obviously there’s going to be a lot of fight for that position just behind Beto.”
Certainly, he’ll now have some work to do if he’s to convince Everton officials he’s worthy of an extension.
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