Doucoure: The New Fellaini at Everton Under Moyes?

During David Moyes’ initial tenure as Everton manager, the team rarely faced relegation threats. Apart from the 2003/04 season where they finished 17th in the Premier League, Moyes consistently guided Everton to respectable league positions, including a notable fourth place in the 2004/05 season.

Under Sean Dyche, Everton is now aiming higher in the Premier League table after a period close to relegation zone. One player in the current squad is drawing comparisons to Marouane Fellaini, the Belgian midfielder who was a fan favorite during Moyes’ time.

Fellaini’s Impact at Everton

Fellaini, signed when Everton anticipated European qualification, is remembered fondly by Everton fans for his contributions during a successful period for the club.

The tall midfielder, standing at 6 foot 4, combined aggression with skill in Everton’s midfield. In his first season, he scored nine goals and provided five assists across all competitions, in addition to his defensive work.

By the end of his Everton career, Fellaini, who played 87 times for Belgium, had an impressive record of 56 goals and assists in 177 appearances for the club, establishing himself as an Everton great.

While the current player is yet to reach Fellaini’s legendary status, his ability to produce moments of brilliance from midfield is similar, something Moyes is keen to utilize for more wins this season.

Moyes Sees a New Fellaini in Doucoure

Currently in his second spell as Everton manager, Moyes finds himself in an unusual situation. Everton is on an eight-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, yet the future of some players remains uncertain.

Abdoulaye Doucoure appears likely to leave as his contract expires in June. However, his performances have not declined since Moyes’ return.

In fact, Doucoure, along with players like Beto, has seemed to improve under Moyes. He scored and assisted against Manchester United in a 2-2 draw in late February and also scored in the 4-0 victory over Leicester City earlier in the month.

Like Fellaini, Doucoure has consistently contributed goals for Everton. The 32-year-old is motivated to maintain his form until the season’s end, hoping to secure a future at the club beyond this summer.

Apart from his first season in England, Doucoure has consistently delivered goals and assists. Jamie Carragher previously described the former Watford player as ‘unbelievable’.

Like Fellaini, Doucoure is not only effective in attack but also physically strong in midfield. He averages 4.7 ball recoveries per game this season in the league. The Malian midfielder hopes to further improve his game under Moyes at Everton, despite uncertainty about his long-term future with the club.