Why Chelsea FINALLY Turned A Corner.
The resurgent form of 30-year-old Abdoulaye Doucoure under Sean Dyche has been a noticeable improvement recently, though the future of the Mali international at Everton is yet to be resolved.
Indeed, Doucoure had made just two starts across the whole campaign prior to Dyche’s February arrival, but has been named in the starting XI in each of the eight games since.
His contributions to Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea epitomises his improved form, scoring from close range to make it 1-1, before his cushioned pass into the feet of Ellis Simms allowed the youngster to level the scoring in dramatic fashion late on.
His attacking potency has been invaluable to Everton’s fight for Premier League survival of late, with the midfielder providing four goal contributions in his last three games in a run which has seen the Toffees remain unbeaten.
A goal in the 2-2 draw away at Nottingham Forest started Doucoure’s revived form in attack as the Blues earned a hard-fought point at the City Ground.
Indeed, having not registered a goal contribution all season prior to the draw at Forest, the 30-year-old carried his improved form over to the following week, assisting Dwight McNeil as Everton beat the in-form Brentford 1-0 at Goodison Park.
Another goal and assist at Stamford Bridge gave Everton a well deserved point, and extended Doucoure’s run to five goals across the last three Premier League games, having previously failed to score as many combined goals in any other three-game league sequence this season.
Doucoure key for Everton survival, but will he stay?
Doucoure’s rigidity and work ethic when defending in a 4-5-1 formation has allowed Everton to stifle the opposition, with the Mali international surging forward as the Blues switch to a 4-4-2 in attack, providing support to a previously isolated front man.
However, having joined the Toffees from Watford in 2020 for a fee of £20m, Doucoure’s current deal is set to expire this summer with no indication that an extension will be signed as of yet.
His form has been somewhat inconsistent since his arrival three years ago, but if he can keep up his current run in front of goal and help maintain Everton’s top-flight status, no doubt he will leave with the best wishes of the Goodison crowd.
