Abdoulaye Doucoure has told the Everton matchday programme that his main inspiration for the season is to prove his ability to those who may not appreciate what he can offer.
The Frenchman believes his efforts can go under the radar compared to the publicity his rivals receive for similar moments. Pointing to the quality of his defence-splitting passes to assist Demarai Gray against Burnley and Andros Townsend at Manchester United.
Doucoure has enjoyed a greater freedom to express his creativity since Rafa Benitez took charge at Everton this summer. He already has two goals and four assists in seven Premier League appearances, after netting two and creating three in 29 games last season.
Yet despite matching his goal return and bettering his haul of assists, Doucoure still feels he needs to prove himself. Even though his efforts have proven influential for Everton so far.
“This is my main motivation every time I go on the pitch,” Doucoure said. “To show people I am a good footballer and capable of great things. I know some people will not like my style of play. But I have to play hard and work very hard to show I am a good player.
“When you have confidence and freedom, you can do a lot of good things. They were top-class assists against Burnley and [Manchester] United, and other players doing the same would receive more publicity. But I had a lot of praise this season. I am happy with that and need to stay focused.”
Is Doucoure underrated outside Everton?
Doucoure has drawn praise for some of his performances with Everton so far this season. Tony Cascarino suggested he showed Manchester United what they are missing with a starring role in the Toffees’ 1-1 draw.
Jamie Carragher also lauded Doucoure as one of the top-flight’s standout players this term after assisting Townsend at Old Trafford. Joining Michael Owen in praising a performance that put the Red Devils in panic-mode and continued his fine form.
Doucoure stormed to support Gray, and had no issue ignoring the three Manchester United players around him to feed Townsend. Following defence-splitting passes against Burnley to prise open chances for Gray and Towsed to complete a dramatic turnaround.
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