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Rodriguez gets the headlines, but Abdoulaye Doucoure could be Everton’s best signing
Everton enjoyed quite the summer transfer window this summer as the club’s owners once again backed Carlo Ancelotti to the hilt.
After a number of transfer windows have yielded mixed to disappointing results, the Toffees appear to have got it right this time around.
The signings of Rodriguez, Allan, Doucoure, Godfrey, and the late addition of Robin Olsen from Roma, are all astute signings, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s improvement is a massive bonus for Everton as well.
At the moment, most of the headlines are coming the way of Rodriguez. And quite rightly, too, given the Colombian has three times and assisted twice more in just four appearances.
But while the World Cup 2014 star will keep on grabbing those headlines, it is the signing of Abdoulaye Doucoure that could turn out to be the best bit of business Everton did. At a £20m, the former Watford man could prove to be a steal at Goodison.
Important role in key areas
Along with the signing of Allan, Doucoure has brought a new found steel to the middle of the park for the Toffees. No longer a soft touch, Carlo Ancelotti has players in their who are reliable, work hard, and aren’t afraid to do the dirty work.
But, crucially, Doucoure also possesses quality when it’s needed. His stats are already proving that he is vital for Everton. Per , he is behind only Andre Gomes in terms of pass completion percentage for midfielders.
And as touched upon, the work-rate and other bits are there, too. Doucoure is behind only Yerry Mina in terms of interceptions, while he’s right in the upper echelons of Everton players making tackles.
Finally, his quality has been on show too in forward areas. His assist for James in the win over Brighton, a fine example of that.
So, while the focus from the media is on the likes of James, Richarlison, and Calvert-Lewin, those who watch Everton regularly will recognise the job that Doucoure is doing for the team.