Schneiderlin has been a regular in Everton’s side this season.
Olivier Dacourt has told Everton’s official website that he believes midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is “selfless” and believes his fellow Frenchman is a key figure in Marco Silva’s side.
The 28-year-old is viewed somewhat differently among Everton fans since he joined the club in January 2017 from Manchester United, with many not impressed by his lack of work ethic.
Indeed, he and Kevin Mirallas were accused of walking out of training last season by the Guardian, which the Frenchman has since denied. Mirallas, though, has since left Everton on loan to Olympiakos and now Fiorentina.
Schneiderlin has certainly restored his reputation somewhat and Dacourt, who played for Everton during the 1998-99 season, believes he is a key player under Silva despite starting only two games this season.
“Everybody told me he is a very good person and strong character. He is a selfless player,” Dacourt said. “I think it is very important that he can play with belief in his game. He knows he will play often at Everton.
““He is intelligent and is clever with his positioning. It is very rare to see him leave any gaps behind him. He protects his defenders and does not lose the ball.”
The Guardian even claimed in the summer that the former Southampton midfielder was told he could leave Goodison Park this summer, as he continues to earn one of the biggest contracts on Merseyside – £120,000 a week (Daily Star).
Everton are next in action on Sunday as they play host to struggling West Ham United who have suffered four Premier League defeats out of four to Wolves, Bournemouth, Liverpool and Arsenal.
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