Abdoulaye Doucoure has outlined the new forward role he expects to play under Rafa Benitez at Everton this season. The midfielder made the switch to Everton from Watford last summer and wasted no time in settling into his new surroundings. Doucoure quickly established himself as one of the most crucial members of the Blues squad with a string of impressive displays. In the 34 appearances he made last season, the Frenchman was often deployed in a deeper-midfield position than the one he played for Watford. But with Benitez having replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, Doucoure has explained how his new boss has already informed him he needs to get forward and score more goals this season.
Abdoulaye Doucoure said: “I arrived at Everton and didn’t play [tactically] like I did in Watford. Last season, I had a deeper role, more defensive than at Watford. I had the same skills but needed to adapt. This season, I think I am going to be more forward and attacking. The manager wants me to be more offensive. The first time we met, he explained my strengths and what I have to do. We have spoken a lot on the training pitch, he told me I have to go forward and score more goals. It is one of my main qualities as a player and I want to enjoy that this season. I can be in the box more, create a lot of chances and be in the final third to score more goals. I am practising this and will do it on matchdays. He [Benitez] is a great manager and has given me lots of advice and I am happy with that.”
Abdoulaye Doucoure said: “The first season was good, personally. I needed to adapt well, I played around 30 games and was very happy with that. The second season, I have to be better, I know the club and my teammates and have to improve my game. I recognise what were my good and bad games last season. I know how to improve and what I can improve. The second season should be better for me.”
This weekend’s Premier League opener against Southampton will be the first time Goodison has been at near capacity since March 2020. And although he has already experienced a full Goodison as a Watford player, Doucoure admits he is excited about the prospect of playing in front of thousands of Evertonians and believes their support could be key this season.
Abdoulaye Doucoure said: “Last season, we lost so many games at home and it wouldn’t have happened with the fans there. We are so happy to have them back and I hope they will give us the boost we need, at home especially. Sometimes, the pressure [from supporters] can give you a big boost. I played at a full Goodison and in the final minute Everton scored a goal, we were winning 2-1, but drew 2-2. The fans give that [spur] to the players. I am excited to see Goodison full. The supporters give so much energy to the team and you know they will be on your side all the way through.”
