Everton drew 0-0 with Chelsea on Sunday – and one player has been told he had his best game ever for the Toffees.
Sean Dyche’s side were always going to need to be at their very best defensively to get a result against Chelsea, a side who have scored 37 goals in the Premier League so far this season.
Enzo Maresca’s team are challenging for the Premier League title, and so, Everton were up against it to get a result.
But Dyche’s side put in another solid display to take a big point against the Blues.
Vitaliy Mykolenko was superb against Chelsea, and there were more solid performances from the likes of James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ashley Young.
Jordan Pickford was branded ‘erratic’ for his display against Chelsea. But the England number one played his part in another clean sheet.
There’s been praise for the defenders, with even Enzo Maresca suggesting Everton are currently a top five defensive team in the world. But Shay Given reckons one other player was potentially the best he’s ever been for Everton.
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Shay Given says Abdoulaye Doucoure had his best game for Everton against Chelsea
Abdoulaye Doucoure of Everton reacts after missing a chance during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium o...
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
With Dwight McNeil still out injured, Dyche set up with Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Harrison as the wingers, and Abdoulaye Doucoure as the advanced midfielder in McNeil’s position.
Orel Mangala – who Everton fans raved over after the draw – and Idrissa Gueye were the holding midfielders.
Doucoure has operated as a number 10 quite a number of times now, and he does suit the role with his power and ability to drive.
Abdoulaye Doucoure vs Chelsea
Minutes played – 90
Touches – 35
Passes completed – 16/20 (80%)
Tackles – 4
Duels contested – 17
via Sofascore
He’s still yet to score this season in the Premier League, but Doucoure’s display on Sunday certainly left a big impression on Shay Given.
He said on Match of the Day 2 last night: “When they actually had an opportunity to get forward they did as well. I think Doucoure and Ndiaye were two of the better players for Everton from an offensive point of view today. Especially Doucoure – it was probably his best game in and Everton shirt.
“Really commanding, and really driving forward into the space.”
Doucoure must start chipping in with goals again
A lot of Everton fans probably won’t agree with Given that Doucoure had his best game for the club against Chelsea.
But the £20 million signing was good against the Blues in the 10 role, that said, Dyche needs the Frenchman to rediscover his goalscoring touch.
Doucoure chipped in with seven goals and three assists last season, but he’s only managed one this term which came against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
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