Abdoulaye Doucouré’s recent declaration of love for Everton and his desire to remain at Goodison Park will have struck a chord with many Toffees. Since arriving from Watford in the summer of 2020, the Malian midfielder has become a familiar and often influential figure in the Everton engine room. But beyond the heartfelt quotes, what do the statistics tell us about his time on Merseyside, and more importantly, would offering him a new contract be a wise move for the club moving forward?
Doucouré by the Numbers: A Consistent Presence
Over his seasons in royal blue, Doucouré has proven to be a consistent and durable player for Everton. While not always the flashiest, his contributions in midfield have often been vital. Let’s take a look at his Premier League statistics for the club (as of the end of the 2024/2025 season):
- Appearances: 145
- Goals: 18
- Assists: 11
- Yellow Cards: 32
- Pass Success Rate: 78%
- Average Tackles per 90 minutes: 2.1
- Average Interceptions per 90 minutes: 1.3
These numbers paint a picture of a hardworking midfielder who contributes both defensively and offensively. While his goal and assist tallies might not be astronomical, his presence in breaking up play and driving forward from midfield has been a consistent feature of his game. He’s shown an ability to arrive late in the box and score crucial goals, becoming a valuable asset in tight matches. His relatively high number of appearances highlights his availability and the trust managers have placed in him.
The Case for a New Contract: Loyalty and Experience
Doucouré’s stated desire to stay at Everton shouldn’t be the sole basis for a new contract, but it certainly carries weight. In a turbulent period for the club, his commitment and willingness to fight for the badge are valuable assets in the dressing room. Beyond his loyalty, Doucouré brings a wealth of Premier League experience, something that is crucial for a team often navigating challenging waters. His understanding of the league’s physicality and tactical nuances is undeniable.
Furthermore, his versatility in midfield has been a significant plus. He’s shown the ability to play in a deeper holding role, as a box-to-box midfielder, and even in a more advanced attacking midfield position, as evidenced by some crucial goals in recent seasons. This adaptability provides managers with tactical flexibility and cover in different areas of the pitch.
The Counter-Argument: Age and Future Planning
However, the decision to offer Doucouré a new contract isn’t without its considerations. At 32 years old (as of April 2025), he is entering the latter stages of his career. While his fitness levels have generally been good, the demands of the Premier League are relentless, and there’s always a risk of decline.
From a club perspective, Everton need to consider their long-term vision and the need to potentially integrate younger players and build for the future. Offering a long-term contract to Doucouré would tie up a significant wage and potentially limit opportunities for emerging talent in midfield. The club needs to strike a balance between retaining experienced players and investing in the next generation.
Verdict: A Short-Term Extension Could Be Mutually Beneficial
Considering all factors, offering Abdoulaye Doucouré a new short-term contract, perhaps for one or two years with an option for a further year, could be a sensible move for Everton. This would reward his loyalty and retain his valuable experience and versatility within the squad. It would also provide a degree of stability in midfield while allowing the club more time to identify and integrate younger midfielders for the long term.
Doucouré’s passion for the club is evident, and his on-field contributions, while perhaps understated at times, have been significant. A short-term extension would allow him to continue contributing while Everton strategically plans for the future of their midfield. It’s a decision that balances rewarding a loyal servant with the crucial need for forward-thinking squad development.
Do you think Everton should offer Abdoulaye Doucouré a new contract?
What are your thoughts on his time at the club?
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