Doucoure’s injury exposed the lack of squad depth in the midfield
Sky came crashing down on Everton and Rafa Benitez when they discovered that Abdoulaye Doucoure joined the lengthy list of players on the treatment table, leaving the Toffees with paper thin depth. Replacing Doucoure is an arduous task, even more so, when the tireless workhorse is operating at full capacity and making a case for him to be considered as the best player of the season so far.
After a horrendous 5-2 defeat to Watford, a bounce back was desired by the ardent fans against Wolves but the team seemed lost in the first half. Gbamin was underwhelming and looked out of sync, Rafa Benitez brought on Delph and the narrative changed. The Toffees couldn’t salvage a positive result but they did have control over the play especially in the middle of the park.
Delph emerged as an unlikely option to cover for Doucoure. The former Manchester City man isn’t a combative midfielder with exceptional box to box qualities but what he’s comfortable at is carrying the ball and spraying the ball forward while also recovering the ball, giving Benitez’s midfield a new dimension.
After almost an eternity, fans were warming up to watch Delph. He did start the game against Tottenham Hotspur and finally, put up a praiseworthy performance. The 31 year old operated at the heart of the midfield with Allan enjoying a bit more freedom in an attacking sense while Delph patrolling the rearguard.