Abdoulaye Doucoure has told the Liverpool Echo that Everton can enjoy greater control in games when Rafa Benitez starts with three midfielders and hailed Andre Gomes’ influence.
The Frenchman believes the Toffees are a different side with the Portuguese ace fielded in the engine room beside him. Doucoure feels Benitez deploying Gomes with him in a central role gives the Blues a stronger platform to build and also restrict what opposition sides try.
Gomes has only featured in seven Premier League fixtures so far this season with Doucoure also on the pitch. Their appearances together also total just 253-minutes, including one full 90-minute game in defeat at Crystal Palace on December 12.
Benitez started three central midfielders in the Everton line-up at Selhurst Park with Fabian Delph behind Gomes and Doucoure. Their only other start together to date came as a two-man pivot away to Chelsea in December 16’s 1-1 draw.
Additionally, the Eagles loss was the only time as Everton manager that Benitez has started with three central midfielders. Instead, the Spaniard has favoured either two players in the engine room or with an attacking option in-behind the striker.
Doucoure hails Gomes influence in Everton midfield
Doucoure would like to see Everton tackle more games with Benitez deploying a three-man core from the off. The 29-year-old does not think it is by accident that they have enjoyed success in matches when he has Gomes and another option like Allan running beside him.
“I think sometimes when you play a three, especially some games where Andre came on, I think we played much better because we have more possession in midfield and have more numbers in the middle sometimes,” Doucoure said.
“I don’t think it’s coincidence, I think when you play a three sometimes it’s better. But of course, sometimes a two is quite good as well. But it depends on the game really. I like to play in both a three and a two. It doesn’t bother me to play in that shape.
“I think I have both [defensive and attacking roles]. Especially against Chelsea, for example, we weren’t on the ball too much. So, I had to be compact with my team and with Andre in the midfield this time.”
Everton won in four of Doucoure’s first seven Premier League appearances this season. But Benitez has only orchestrated a victory in one of the midfielder’s following seven outings.
Doucoure also offered all four of his assists and both of his two goals during his first seven appearances this term. He last scored on September 25 and assisted on October 2. While Gomes has started just two of his seven outings, with the £22m ace offering one assist.
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