Alan Shearer names Everton star thriving under Rafa Benitez

By Jordan Harris

Alan Shearer has told the Premier League website that Abdoulaye Doucoure is thriving after being given more freedom by Rafa Benitez as he named the Everton star in his team of the week.

What’s the story?

Doucoure was perhaps the star of the show as the Toffees drew 1-1 with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Benitez’s men were outstanding throughout the contest. And they could have easily come away with all three points with Yerry Mina having a goal ruled out for offside.

Plenty of fans were raving about Doucoure’s performance on social media after the draw.

Of course, it was Doucoure who set Andros Townsend up for the equaliser for a stunning piece of skill in the home side’s half.

As shown by Whoscored, he also won three challenges and made two interceptions.

He certainly showed glimpses of his quality during his first year at Goodison Park. But he appears to have taken his game to another level this season.

And Shearer has suggested that Benitez deserves a lot of credit as he included the 28-year-old in his team of the week.

“Rafael Benitez has given him more freedom and he is thriving,” he told the Premier League website. “The Frenchman’s bursting run to set up Everton’s equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United is typical of his displays this season.”

Doucoure has already eclipsed assist tally from first Everton season

Remarkably, Doucoure has already surpassed the number of assists he managed from the whole of last season.

He now has four for this season. Meanwhile, he also scored twice in the top-flight. One more and he has already improved on that tally also.

Everton’s midfield have been absolutely fantastic so far this season. And Doucoure has certainly played his part in their success.