Gary Lineker and Micah Richards agree Everton have a player who’s so difficult to play against

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Everton picked up three points against Nottingham Forest on the weekend.

The Toffees were well worth the win as they controlled the game pretty much from the first whistle at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted Everton were dominant as his side struggled to gain any real momentum in the East Midlands clash.

Idrissa Gana Gueye was voted Everton’s Man of the Match after his starring performance in David Moyes’ midfield.

Everton are ready to offer Gueye a one-year deal, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

Gary Lineker and Micah Richards were particularly impressed by one Everton star, who they admitted does have his limitations.

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Gary Lineker and Micah Richards single out Abdoulaye Doucoure in Everton win

Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker and Richards agreed that whilst Doucoure has his limitations, he is so difficult to defend against because of his excellent late runs.

Lineker said: “He is actually, the core is, got a real energy and enthusiasm and he does get vital goals.”

Richards added: “You know what it is? He’s not a clinical finisher. I wouldn’t say he’s even a clean finisher when it gets in there, but what he does have is endeavor, the timing of his run.

“He gets in all the time and it’s very hard to mark because he could be making a tackle on his own box and then making a 40 yard dash the other way and he keeps going.

“I think the best part of his game is his engine. Yes, he’s good enough for the ball and he’s not a bad passer, but that’s his main strength, getting into the box, making them late runs.”

Doucoure wants to stay at Everton

Doucoure is entering the final few months of his contract and he admitted after the Forest win that he’d love to stay.

“I love this club,” the 32-year-old said.

“Since the moment I signed, always I want to stay. My contract is running out so let’s see what happens in the next couple of weeks but I love this club.”

It’s important for sentiment not to get in the way of key decisions this summer and Doucoure’s future is one of those.

The time is right for the former Watford man to move on, especially considering his atonishing £130,000-a-week wages, according to Capology.