Abdoulaye Doucouré has often been the player who has rescued Everton from difficult situations over the past couple of seasons.
The 31-year-old’s ability to pop up with important goals is a priceless commodity in the modern game, particularly from midfield.
Doucoure’s 2023/24 season has been slightly injury-hit; nonetheless, he has still managed to net six Premier League goals and considering the Toffees’ goalscoring issues, that’s an impressive return.
However, one TNT Sports pundit ridiculed the midfielder’s technical ability during Everton’s Premier League defeat to Manchester United.
Lucy Ward grills Everton player during Manchester United defeat
After Everton had fallen behind through Bruno Fernandes’ penalty, Ward pinpointed Doucoure’s poor control.
“Doucoure had the ball there and he’s a real symbol of Dyche’s Everton, they missed him when he was injured, but he’s not really a natural 10,” she said on TNT Sports.
“He’s quite untidy on the ball. So they’re not quite as good in possession. So that’s why they need to get it into the right areas on the ball.”
One line from Ward’s comments does ring true. Doucoure scores goals, but he is not a natural number ten. Typically, a player in his position can dictate play in forward areas and pick the ball up in tight spaces. Unfortunately, the Everton man does struggle in those areas.
However, ensuring he remains fit for the remainder of the season is an absolute must. Under Sean Dyche, his output has proven to be a crucial part of any success at Goodison Park in recent years.
As for the result at Old Trafford, it was a similar story for Everton. Good spells of possession weren’t capitalised on.
If the Toffees want to avoid another nervy end to the season, fixing their goalscoring issues is an absolute must.
Dyche will welcome the international break as he looks to finally right the wrongs at the top end of the pitch.
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