Everton’s hopes of making it into the top six clubs this season hit a huge obstacle with their embarrassing defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in their midweek match in the Premier League. Thankfully, they partially redeemed themselves against Burnley where they won convincingly on the day.
The Toffees were taken to the sword by the Tottenham attackers as they scored six goals against them. Marco Silva’s men could put up little resistance and got only two goals in reply, scripting one of the most shambolic defeats in the history of the Merseyside club.
The biggest problem for Everton was the lack of physicality in the midfield as Idrissa Gana Gueye missed the match due to an injury. Tom Davies is far from ready when it comes to stepping into the shoes of the Senegalese international, and it is now evident that the Toffees need a suitable backup. This is where the Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure comes into the picture.
As per Mail Online, former Watford manager Marco Silva reportedly has his eyes on the Frenchman and is looking to make a move for him in January. The 25-year-old has been one of the key players for the Hornets and has held their midfield together since his arrival at Vicarage Road in 2016, attracting the attention of a number of top clubs around Europe as well.
The inclusion of Doucoure could be a masterstroke to stabilise the midfield for the Toffees as his physicality and ball control can provide Gueye with the perfect partner in central midfield. Also, let us not forget his ability to score crucial goals when needed. Silva already has Andre Gomes at the Merseyside club, but there is uncertainty about making his move permanent from Barcelona, with the player currently serving a loan stint at Goodison Park. So, it would be a no-brainer for Silva to bring Doucoure to Everton in January.
Let’s face it! Morgan Schneiderlin and Tom Davies are the backups for Gueye and Gomes in the Everton lineup, and they are nowhere near the standard required to be included in a team who have aspirations of playing in European competitions.
Both the players were used in the match against Tottenham after Gomes left the field with an apparent injury and were utterly outplayed by Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who have now established their dominance on the European stage.
So, if Everton wants to finish in the top six this season, it is time that Marco Silva adds quality players to his side. It would not be a bad idea to start with his former player, Abdoulaye Doucoure.
