Seamus Coleman has identified Abdoulaye Doucoure as the player that ‘really stepped up’ for Everton last season.
Speaking on evertontv, the Toffees captain praised Doucoure for his performances as the club narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the campaign.
The midfielder had fallen out of favour under Frank Lampard but managed to reignite his career following Sean Dyche’s arrival, featuring regularly in the starting line-up before becoming the hero as he netted the only goal in their win over Bournemouth to keep them up.
After three years with Everton, Coleman has praised Doucoure and believes the 30-year-old understands what the club’s success means to the fans.
“Doucs is great,” Coleman told Everton’s YouTube channel. “He really stepped up for us and he knows what it means to us all as well. Doucs was buzzing.”
The Mali international’s form for Everton earned him a contract extension days before the Bournemouth clash, which will see him stay at Goodison Park until the end of next season.
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Will Abdoulaye Doucoure continue to impress for Everton next season?
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been playing some of his best football for Everton this year and he will be desperate to keep it up next season.
The midfielder probably wouldn’t have agreed to extend his stay on Merseyside if he was going to be pushed down the pecking order again and he certainly deserves a chance to keep his place in the team.
His position at the club will still depend on how many players the Toffees can bring in during the transfer window, with Doucoure’s spot far from under threat due to their lack of depth in the middle of the park.
Sean Dyche will hope to bring in some competition for the former Watford man, while Doucoure’s performances should naturally improve if he wants to avoid dropping to the bench.