2021/22 Abdoulaye Doucouré

[Sheedy's right knee.]

He gives an extra dimension and allowed Allan and DVB to take the ball with less pressure.

 

[swanified]

He’s critical to avoiding relegation

 

[MikeH72]

The difference it makes to the entire team having him in there instead of Gomes is vast and terrifying.

 

[f.t.r.s]

Was happy when we got him but have to say I'm really liking the guy more with every game...
Doesn't pull punches, says it how it is and has the balls to call out referees when they cock up

 

[Blueclouds]

Should be our Captain

 

[lieneverton]

Argument to be made he's our most important player. A fit and firing Doucoure in the middle not only provides bundles of energy and a direct thrust which we've sorely lacked for large parts of the season, but he brings more out of the players around him. Allan looks more comfortable, allows DVB to not worry as much defensively, etc.

 

[MartSlinger]

Complete game changer this lad. Means we see less of Gomes & thats a huge plus.

He seems to bring the best out of Allan as well & he’s critical for this run in.

 

[4737carlin]

Should be our Captain

I noticed yesterday the amount of times he got onto the ref for various things, I like that, ok it didn't help us yesterday but we need captain who sticks up for us

 

[MACCA75]

Wrap him in cotton wool

 

[roy vernon]

If we can keep him, Allan and VDB fit, I'm quietly confident that we will be ok. What has become really obvious this season, is that without Doucoure, we lack energy and power in midfield. We really need to be looking to bring in a young midfielder, with the same kind of physical presence, who can play along side Doucoure against certain teams when required and also offer cover should Doucoure be injured.

 

[Houghty19]

What amazes me is just how many people call this fella crap. Without him our midfield is knackered.

 

[Lanolin]

What amazes me is just how many people call this fella crap. Without him our midfield is knackered.

The two aren't mutually exclusive though. He's not crap like, but he's not particularly good either. He is quick, strong, and energetic though, and as they're qualities that nobody else in the midfield has he's massively important to us.

 

[blueblueskies]

Was just pleased to see that as soon as we had 3 decent centre midfielders fit Frank went to a 4 3 3. That shape suits the team so much better

 

[4737carlin]

What amazes me is just how many people call this fella crap. Without him our midfield is knackered.

Problem is he has had a few horror show games, just like Allan has, we need them to raise there games against a poor side, or away at Spurs for example

 

[MACCA75]

Was just pleased to see that as soon as we had 3 decent centre midfielders fit Frank went to a 4 3 3. That shape suits the team so much better

I think we should have been playing that all season regardless. Even if it meant Gomes, Gbamin, Onyango, Townsend or Holgate having to play the odd game there.

Our single biggest issue for the entire season has been getting overrun and outnumbered in midfield.