Abdoulaye Doucoure has opened up on a rollercoaster of a season at Everton.
Speaking to the club website, the midfielder has admitted his time on Merseyside was ‘difficult’ under Frank Lampard, before he was handed a second chance under Sean Dyche.
Doucoure joined Everton from Watford in 2020 and was a regular in the first-team set up prior to Lampard’s arrival.
The Mali international hadn’t started a Premier League match since August when Sean Dyche took the reins at Goodison Park, however he was immediately restored to the line-up and went onto start every game that he was available for.
Doucoure became an Everton hero when he netted a volley in their win over Bournemouth on the final day of the season that confirmed their Premier League status. The 30-year-old went on to extend his contract until next summer.
In an interview with the club, Doucoure said: “I worked hard to come back into the team, but the season was very difficult for me and for my family as well. I had some personal issues and as a professional, I didn’t play my part with the first manager.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“I was pleased to have helped the Club on the final day. I’m very happy and proud of myself, and my teammates. Everton are in the Premier League next season, but we need to be stronger than that.”
Doucoure deserved new deal because of patience and commitment
Abdoulaye Doucoure would probably be one of the first to admit he wasn’t on form prior to Sean Dyche’s arrival, however, he never gave up.
The midfielder clearly cares about the club and took his second chance with both hands and proved Dyche right in his decision to bring him back into his plans.
While the 30-year-old could have opted to leave Goodison Park when things were getting tough, he stuck by the squad and eventually played a key role in helping them stay in the top flight.
For that, he is very deserving of his latest contract. However, that doesn’t mean the Toffees shouldn’t look to further bolster their midfield this summer.