Tony Cascarino has told talkSPORT that Abdoulaye Doucoure showed Manchester United exactly what they’re missing on Saturday, amid lavish praise for the Everton midfielder.
Doucoure played a starring role as Rafa Benitez’s Toffees held Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils to a 1-1 draw. The Old Trafford natives took the lead late in the first-half through Anthony Martial, before Andros Townsend drilled an equaliser.
Townsend has now scored three Premier League goals since moving to Goodison Park on a free transfer this summer. With Doucoure earning the assist for the 30-year-old’s latest hit, after feeding the winger to bear down on goal unchallenged.
Cascarino feels Doucoure is currently operating at a higher level than any other top-flight midfielder with his form at Everton. The Frenchman has enjoyed greater freedom to push forward under Benitez, who removed the constraints Carlo Ancelotti introduced last term.
“I can’t think of a better midfielder at the moment than Doucoure in the Premier League, the way he’s playing in this advanced role,” Cascarino said. “He is playing brilliantly, he’s really playing well.”
He added: “Look at United’s midfield and you think, ‘that’s what they’re screaming out for’, a Doucoure type of midfielder.”
Doucoure showing his best for Everton vs Man Utd
Doucoure has enjoyed a fantastic run since Benitez took over at Everton, and continued his form against Manchester United. Townsend’s goal came after the Toffees’ £20m midfielder charged up the Old Trafford pitch to offer Demarai Gray support.
Even with three Red Devils shirts around him, Doucoure was able to cut back into the space and feed Townsend. The hard-running star also had chances to fire past David de Gea, as he sought to offer a third goal to pair with his four assists in seven league outings so far.
No central midfielder has scored more often in the Premier League so far this season than Doucoure has for Everton. While only Manchester United’s Paul Pogba (7) has recorded more assists than the Everton ace Cascarino says is the best midfielder around right now.
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