Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure
has come to the attention of a number of Premier League clubs this
season after some fine performances in the heart of their midfield.
Arsenal are believed to be interested in the 25-year-old, while Spurs, Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned.
Speaking
to Telefoot back in his home country last month, the midfielder opened
up on his future at Vicarage Road amid interest from some of the Premier
League's biggest teams.
"It’s true that these clubs are interested," he said. "But I’m at Watford for the moment and I want to finish my season well."
However, it's his next comments that will have seen Arsenal fans sit up and take notice.
Asked in a quick-fire Q&A about a move to the Gunners or Spurs, Doucoure made it clear who he would prefer to join.
"Arsenal," he replied. "Because of Arsene Wenger."
So,
with Doucoure a potential new arrival at the Emirates in the summer, we
kept a close eye on the highly-rated player when he faced the Gunners
earlier in the month.
Here's how the Frenchman got on at the Emirates.
First half
With
Arsenal fans having one eye on Doucoure at the start of the game, the
midfielder barely got a touch inside the opening five minutes as the
Gunners dominated possession.
However, the midfielder soon became a threat once Shkodran Mustafi had headed the hosts into the lead.
Collecting the ball outside of Petr Cech's area, Doucoure slalomed into the box past two players before Mustafi intervened and cleared the ball away from danger.
Having threatened moments earlier, the Frenchman then tested
the goalkeeper with a stinging drive but Cech was alert to produce a
strong save.
Despite Arsenal dominating the opening quarter of
the game, the Hornets upped the pressure and Doucoure was starting to
have an impact on the game
Utilising the ball well in possession,
Doucoure always looked to get the Hornets moving forward and he kept
spreading the ball out to the right for Daryl Janmaat to try and get the
better of Sead Kolasinac and Alex Iwobi.
The
Frenchman, who is known for fantastic engine, kept pushing up the pitch
to offer support in attack, while also not forgetting about his
defensive duties.
After seeing Ainsley Maitland-Niles
out of play when the youngster looked to have got the better of
Doucoure, the midfielder then showed his frustration as he was
uncharacteristically outmuscled by Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the stroke of half-time.
Second half
After going in at
half-time leading 1-0, Arsenal were put under intense pressure after the
break as Watford went in search of an equaliser.
With Roberto
Pereyra and Richarlison trying to push their side on to level the
scores, Doucoure was pushing further upfield after the break.
Arsenal
fans would have been impressed with his range of passing, especially a
great ball to Richarlison that gave the Brazilian a slight opening.
Having
lost out to Mkhitaryan in a challenge in the first half, there was only
going to be one winner as he went in for a challenge with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the edge of Arsenal's box.
Doucoure had no right to come out with the ball given
everything was in the striker's favour, but it was quite clear that the
January signing did not fancy his chances against the midfielder.
As
Watford pushed on to reduce the deficit following Aubameyang's goal on
the hour mark, the Gunners hit the visitors on the counter numerous
times as the Hornets looked for a way back into the game.
Drawing comparison with Arsenal great Patrick Vieira and former player Abou Diaby, this was evident in the closing stages as the player covered ground in defence and attack.
The verdict
Doucoure would be a very good addition for the Gunners if he indeed sealed a move to the Emirates ahead of next season.
While
it wasn't his finest game in a Watford shirt, Arsenal fans will have
been fairly impressed with what they saw from the midfielder in north
London.
Always willing to get on the ball and push on forward,
Doucoure showcased in the first half his ability to help out in attack
and it's clear to see why he's the club's top goalscorer in the league.
The
player utilised the ball well throughout the game and he also helped to
break up play as Arsenal went in search of adding to the scoreline.
A look at his stats for this season
shows just what he can do, while his stunning performance against
Chelsea at the start of February highlights just what he is capable of
against the league's best teams.
It's no surprise to see why the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester United are keen on signing him.
Friday, March 30, 2018
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Why Arsenal must beat Spurs, Man United & Liverpool to the signing of Abdoulaye Doucoure
Why Arsenal must beat Spurs, Man United & Liverpool to the signing of Abdoulaye Doucoure
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