Micah Richards told Match of the Day that Abdoulaye Doucoure was ‘everywhere’ during Everton’s 2-0 win against Leicester City on Wednesday night.
The £20 million Everton signing [BBC Sport] put in a Man of the Match display to ensure his side secured back-to-back wins and clean sheets.
An underrated figure in Everton’s side, Doucoure allows the more attack-minded players around him to flourish and ensures the back four are protected as much as possible.
Richards shared his thoughts on the ex-Watford man’s performance and how he would have loved to have played alongside the energetic midfielder.
“What a performance,” said Richards. “He was everywhere. He fully deserves Man of the Match, for me. It was intent from the very first moment. He was a little bit offensive in the first half when Allan was on. But when Allan went off, he sort of went into a defensive role and started to dictate the play.
“This is a position where a fullback goes out [on Everton’s left-hand side blocking a cross]. But he’s not afraid to go out there and stop the danger. It was a great tackle that [on Jamie Vardy as he was put through inside the penalty area].
“He’s a player I would love to have in front of me because you know he’s going to the all the dogged work. Look at his positioning. It’s intelligence as well. It’s not just making tackles. It’s being in the right position, at the right time.”
Everton have two pac-man like players in the middle of their park – Doucoure and Allan – both eat away at everything and ensure the opposition aren’t allowed to rest.
Doucoure is without a doubt more attack-minded than the Brazilian, but the duo have brought some bite and aggression that has previously been missing from the Merseyside club’s midfield.
Idrissa Gueye used to bring that all on his own a number of years ago, but the Toffees took their time in replacing him.
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