Abdoulaye Doucoure: Everton set for ‘brilliant boost’ after footage emerges – Whelan
Abdoulaye Doucoure will “tick all of the boxes” for Frank Lampard in the Everton midfield, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 28-year-old’s injury return will be a “brilliant boost” for the struggling Toffees.
Speaking after his side’s 2-0 loss against Southampton on Saturday (19 February) and quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Lampard insisted Everton’s midfield performance “wasn’t good enough”.
He also claimed Doucoure could be fit to face Man City on Saturday (26 February) after stepping up his injury recovery at the end of last week.
Footage emerged last Thursday of him undertaking fitness drills on the club’s training ground.
Whelan insisted the Frenchman’s return will be welcome with Lampard still yet to identify his “best side”.
“I think you need his presence in there,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He brings real energy in that midfield and I think he will tick all the boxes for Lampard.
“He can break up the play, drive with the ball, as well as bring that real height and power they desperately need.
“We’ve seen him given that freedom to get into the box and cause problems as well this season.
“Every option will be a welcome one for Lampard right now. Doucoure’s return will be a brilliant boost for him.
“He’ll still be figuring out his best side and looking at which areas could do with more aggression and energy – and that’s in the spine of the team.”
Saturday’s loss means Everton are just four points clear of relegation danger.
The 16th-place Toffees face league leaders Man City on Saturday.
In other news, pundit excited by transformed Everton star after what he’s seen in person.