Everton narrowly secured the survival of the Premier League with Abdoulaye Doucoure's winner against Bournemouth.
Frank Lampard's shares have fallen significantly this season, but Chelsea's caretaker boss was once again in the red after Abdoulaye Doucoure saved Everton from relegation with a superb strike against Bournemouth on the final day. The Frenchman was dropped by Lampard in January during their time together at Goodison Park when the former England midfielder told Doucoure he had to train on his own after being dropped from the first team.
The decision has certainly surprised some outsiders as Doucoure has always been a presence for the Toffees since signing from Watford in September 2020.
His industrial and lung-racing ability has also been a feature of Sean Dyche's Everton side since the former Burnley manager replaced Lampard earlier this year. Doucoure has scored against Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and recently scored a brace in a 5-1 win over Brighton.
However, he saved his best goal until late Sunday here when he scored from 20 yards to send Goodison Park into ecstasy.
Everton entered the first half as Harvey Barnes gave Leicester a 1-0 lead over West Ham and unless the Toffees score, they will play in the Championship next season.
However, Doucoure is the man of the moment and as mentioned, his star role does not benefit Lampard, who has tried to force him to leave the club.
Speaking to Sky Sports about his time under Lampard, Doucoure admitted he almost left Merseyside after being exiled. I said:
"I was about to leave. But in the end I stayed and I am very happy because I never wanted to leave. I am very happy to be here, to play and to hold on to this team.
"Maybe a lot of people saw me [leaving Everton] but I've always loved this club, I've always wanted to fight for this club, play for this club. Unfortunately, I didn't get that chance. for almost six months but I know that there will be light at the end of the tunnel. "I kept working hard and when Sean Dyche was appointed I was happy and just thought, 'I'm going to get another chance and [I'll] show in training [what I can do]. ..and that's worked fine for me so far."
Doucoure even took full responsibility for the loss of his place in the squad and admitted his fitness was unsatisfactory.
Even so, it seems a bit confusing that a player so important to Everton's survival efforts was deemed excessive by Lampard just a few months ago.
Lampard must take responsibility for his role in Everton's ailing season after failing to lead the Toffees out of a slump, although his coaching career took a much worse turn when he returned to Chelsea.
Dyche has also struggled to get this Everton team out of danger despite crossing the line, but at least he has made his mark thanks to his organization and basic approach.
Taking Doucoure back aside and giving him the chance to wipe out the table proved crucial - the fact that without the central midfielder Everton would not have existed. This is also evidenced by Everton activating the extension option in Doucoure's contract. It can also be an integral part of their future prospects.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0