The French midfielder says his upbringing has shaped him as a footballer
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Abdoulaye Doucoure said he is used to 'waiting for his turn'
Abdoulaye Doucoure said he is used to 'waiting for his turn'(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)
Abdoulaye Doucoure has become an important part of Everton’s midfield since joining the club in September 2020. The French footballer scored the crucial winning goal in the blues’ 1-0 win against Bournemouth on the final day of the 2022/23 season which ensured the club’s survival in the Premier League.
Doucoure played the full 90 minutes last weekend as Sean Dyche’s side earned a hard fought point away at Arsenal. He is likely to start again in tomorrow’s game against Chelsea at Goodison Park.
Doucoure has overcome several setbacks in his career, including several injuries, rejections from different clubs and lack of game time. He was born and raised in a suburb of Paris to Malian parents, and moved to England in 2016 when he joined top-flight side Watford from Rennes.
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Doucoure says as he reflects on how he has endured two severe injuries to the same knee, several rejections and almost leaving Watford without playing a single league game. He was loaned out to Granada after moving to the English club in 2015, and was nearly loaned out again the season to French side Loreint only for the move to be aborted because paperwork arrived 33 seconds late.
That season, Doucoure fought his way into the first team and as a result got a move to Everton. In a 2017 interview, he put his patience and patience down to his childhood.
Doucoure said: “Being the second-youngest of eight children has helped. You get used to waiting your turn even if it’s just to have a go on the PlayStation. And you have to make sure you’re ready to take it when it comes. It’s the same in football.”
In 2010 Doucoure was hailed as one of the rising stars of European football even though, three years previously, he had flunked a trial at France’s prestigious Clairefontaine academy. He said: “That was a major disappointment because that is a legendary academy and it was a dream to go there but it just made me more determined to find a club.”
Doucoure is a Muslim and has previously spoken about how it can be difficult to maintain his religious practices as a footballer. He said: "I always love Ramadan. Sometimes playing football has been hard because Ramadan has been in the summer and during pre-season.
"But I have always been lucky to practise Ramadan and there have never been problems with my physical condition - I am grateful for that. My religion is the most important thing in my life - I put my religion first, then comes my work. You can do both together and I am happy with that.
"You get so much free time so I am always able to go to the mosque to pray and to enjoy my religion when I'm at home. I fast every day, I don't miss any days. It has become normal and very easy for me.
“I started fasting at 12 or 13 years old and now I am 30. I know my body very well - I have a good breakfast beforehand which helps me through the day.”