Everton told ‘excellent’ £20m star was ‘the best player on the pitch’ vs Liverpool

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Ally McCoist has praised Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Abdoulaye Doucoure impressed as Everton fell to a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday.

Commentating on the match for TNT Sports, Ally McCoist highlighted the £120,000-a-week ace for praise. The former Rangers striker said, “do you know something, he might be in the running for the best player on the pitch today. I think Doucoure’s been excellent. Those three in front of that back five.”

Whilst Everton were beaten, Sean Dyche’s side held their own, especially considering they were a man down for most of the match following Ashley Young’s first half sending off.

Whilst they struggled to create attacking openings of their own, Everton kept Liverpool at bay for a long time. Doucoure wasn’t the only player to impress at the back.

It took a 75th minute penalty for the hosts to break the deadlock. They added their second late on in injury time when they were able to hit Everton on the counter as the Toffees had pushed forward for an equaliser. 

Abdoulaye Doucoure steps up in difficult circumstances

To deal with being a man down, Doucoure had to drop deeper than usual to protect the Everton rearguard. The 30-year-old did a fine job in this role. As per WhoScored statistics, the £20 million former Watford man made two tackles, four interceptions, and four clearances.

Doucoure has impressed a great deal going forwards this season, and has already netted three times in the Premier League this season. Against Liverpool, though, the twice-capped Mali international shone whilst producing a very different type of performance. 

Dyche will be able to take the positives from his side’s display at Anfield, and will take heart from knowing that he can rely on Doucoure to have an impact at both ends of the pitch when required, even against top opposition.

However, the manager will be disappointed that his team couldn’t hold out to keep a clean sheet to earn what would have been a huge point against their bitter rivals. Going forward, Everton will also have wanted to carry much more of a threat.