ThewolfEverton have endured a topsy-turvy start to the new Premier League season, but at last things seem to have levelled out.
After all, following four straight losses, they have now remained unbeaten in their last four, keeping back-to-back clean sheets, and winning two of their last three.
It’s been a miraculous turnaround, and one that should earn Everton manager Sean Dyche plenty of praise.
However, he is not alone in masterminding this resurgence, and one player in particular deserves additional plaudits for his performances.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is thriving in a new role
Having first joined as a box-to-box midfielder, and since settled into a more solid role as an attacking asset under Dyche, Abdoulaye Doucoure‘s career at Everton has been unorthodox.
Nobody ever really seemed to know what his best role was in the engine room. All they knew was that he was a hard-working runner with intelligence in how to press, who boasted more than enough technical prowess to create and score as well.
His energy made some wish he was kept deeper, but his goal threat tempted others to brand him a shadow striker.
Ever since Frank Lampard left, he has followed the latter mould much more closely.
Alas, this season has been different, and with Iliman Ndiaye’s signing, as well as Dwight McNeil’s fine form in the number ten spot, his usual role has been occupied.
So, forced elsewhere, he was shoehorned into defensive midfield to plug gaps due to injuries.
It seems Dyche may have stumbled upon a masterclass in this regard. It’s ironic that Doucoure was emotional over Amadou Onana’s exit, and has now replaced the Aston Villa man.
Everton’s turnaround has coincided with Abdoulaye Doucoure’s form
It’s fair to say that, after a fine goalscoring half-season during the 2022/23 Premier League season, the 31-year-old’s form was waning last campaign.
He remained a useful asset to have in the squad, but his goal threat had diminished dramatically as the year went on, and he was often left wanting when spearheading a counter-attack.
However, moving the £20m maestro deeper seems to have unlocked the entire squad, with his energy providing more than enough cover for the backline, whilst also allowing the attackers free rein to roam.
As such, it seems that his skillset has not changed, just his role within the squad, with Everton’s official website writing last year: ‘In many ways, Doucoure, with his total commitment, relentless running and ability to execute important action in high-pressure situations, personifies the impressive wider improvements made under Dyche.’
It’s ironic how, since he has started the last four games after being benched in the two defeats beforehand, once again his return to the squad has coincided with a return to form.
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