Sean Dyche favourite could be dropped for the foreseeable future as Everton plot key change

Everton have relied heavily on one player across recent years but his time may be up after the summer’s transfer window.

Cutting straight to the point, Abdoulaye Doucoure was a key figure for Everton and scored a now-famous goal that kept them up from relegation in 2023. However, his influence has diminished over the past six or so months and the addition of Iliman Ndiaye could see his advanced attacking role removed.

With their additions in midfield meaning they have more depth, the likes of James Garner, Orel Mangala, Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam will all be fighting it out for the two midfield roles. Doucoure features as something of an outlier; he was utilised behind the central striker with license to roam and cause chaos and it worked for a period of time but it was never the answer, nor was it sustainable.

The 31-year-old was their joint-top scorer last season with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and five goals from March until the end of the 2022/23 campaign. However, relying on Doucoure for a source of goals was never meant to be the solution - it was more of a temporary measure given their inability to sign players at the time.

His replacement in Ndiaye is far more orthodox and has a wider range of traditional attacking instincts. Quick feet, ability to beat a man, direct, good vision and a more diminutive figure. He was the best player on the pitch against Bournemouth and his solo effort against Doncaster Rovers shows exactly what he can bring to this team - quality and flair: two things Everton have been without for far too long.

What makes him even more valuable is the fact his work-rate is brilliant; he has averaged five recoveries per game so far compared to Doucoure’s 1.7 and he does the dirty work required. Unfortunately for Doucoure, Ndiaye won’t play on either wing and that leaves only two midfield slot behind him. He doesn’t have the defensive qualities to play in front of the back four and will most likely be utilised as an impact player off the bench - a role that could be a new chapter for him.

We’ve already seen this play out in the Bournemouth match as he replaced Ndiaye in the 83rd minute. What happened after was hugely disappointing from a team aspect but Doucoure isn’t brilliant at helping to close a game out - especially with Ashley Young and James Garner waiting in reserve.

A player with his physical makeup and unorthodox style could cause plenty of issues late in games when it’s stretched and he could give them a more physical option to play towards when needed. However, for the foreseeable, Ndiaye will be continue to be the name on every fan’s lips as his performances have demanded that he becomes a key figure in attack, with Doucoure dropping out.