As Watford romped to a famous 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Vicarage Road last Monday night, most of the attention after the game centred around the future of the Blues under fire coach Antonio Conte.
However, somewhere lost amongst the rubble of Roman Abramovich’s crumbling castle, was the fact that the Hornets Abdoulaye Doucoure, put in one of the most complete midfield performances of this Premier League season.
Not so long ago, most of us would of laughed at the possibility of any human being, competing let alone dominating an opposition midfield containing N’Golo Kante, but that is exactly what Watford’s 24-year-old did on Monday night.
Doucoure played in a slightly forward midfield position against Chelsea, using his pace and power to hassle the reigning Premier League Champions midfield and defence in to coughing up possession time and time again. Although, he is just as capable at using these ball winning abilities in a more defensive midfield role.
This superb performance was no fluke however, with the former Rennes man comfortably being Watford’s stand out performer so far this season. The talented central midfielder also has the composure to make the most of the opportunities that his athleticism present, netting an impressive seven goals and providing two assists in 25 Premier League appearances so far this term.
Doucoure signed for Watford for £6 million from French side Rennes in 2016, but was immediately loaned out to La Liga side Granada.
Last season under Walter Mazzarri the French midfielder was criminally under used, and it was not until this campaign when former Hornets boss Marco Silva finally gave him a regular starting berth did he begin to flourish, and show the Vicarage Road faithful what he was capable of.
Anybody that has watched Doucoure play regularly this season would find it hard to argue that he possesses all the physical and technical attributes required to become a top class central midfielder, capable of representing any of the elite Premier League club’s.
The 24-year-old is that kind of box-to-box midfielder that fans just love to watch, and having battled back from serious injury and rejection earlier on in his career he deserves his time to shine.
By all accounts he is dedicated professional keen to make the best of his undoubted talent, and with the likes of Man Utd, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea all known to be looking into strengthening their midfield next summer, they would be wise to take a very close look at the brilliant Abdoulaye Doucoure.
