This season at Everton, Abdoulaye Doucoure has made a point of highlighting his favorite things.

The midfield player acknowledged to Liverpool Echo that he enjoys the “freedom” Sean Dyche has given him.

After moving from Watford to Everton in 2020, Abdoulaye Doucoure established himself as a mainstay in the starting lineup.

Nevertheless, the 30-year-old, regarded as “excellent,” was frequently utilized further back, with James Rodriguez and Gylfi Sigurdsson occupying the most forward positions in the middle of the park.

Between moving to Goodison Park and Sean Dyche’s arrival, Doucoure scored four goals, and in the ten months since the Everton manager took over, he has already scored eight more.

In the latter half of the previous season, Doucoure emerged as a crucial player in front of goal, scoring the game-winning goal against Bournemouth to keep the Toffees in the Premier League. He has been pushed even farther forward this season and has thrived behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, earning himself a lucrative new contract that makes him the highest paid player in the team.

The Mali international stated that even though his new role can be “hard” at times, he truly enjoys it.

I’m liking it so far. The numbers bear this out—they’re excellent,” Doucoure remarked.

It can be challenging at times because it’s not how I naturally work. Though I’m willing to play any position, I occasionally like to approach from behind.

“The manager allows me to come on the left, and occasionally in the middle, and gives me some freedom. He knows I have the legs to press the opposition, so he just wants to make sure I’m in the team’s first line of pressing.

“It’s been good because I can score goals and provide assists now that I have more freedom.”

How good is Abdoulaye Doucoure?
Abdoulaye Doucoure has been totally transformed by Sean Dyche.

As a more aggressive midfielder, the player has had a significant impact and poses a serious threat to any Premier League defense.

Doucoure is getting close to turning 31, which is unfortunate because after this season, he might be declining. Even though he has performed well this season, Everton should realize that if they ever hope to avoid the repetition of relegation struggles every season, they must set higher goals.

Although the Toffees have improved greatly in recent weeks, it is still insufficient. They should keep Abdoulaye Doucoure far away from the player they are depending on.