Why early season promise shows this Watford star is bound to play a key role for Javi Gracia

Why Abdoulaye Doucoure will play a key role for Watford this season

Watford made the perfect start to their Premier League campaign with a 2-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion. The Hornets were impressive going forward and created a number of opportunities in their opening game of the season. Thanks to a Roberto Pereyra brace, the Hornets wrapped up all three points and should be confident going into their next game against Sean Dyche’s Burnley.

Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure was in phenomenal form once again and proved to be an influential man for the Hornets in the middle of the park. He is one of their main driving forces in the midfield, providing them with the stability and cohesion to build the attack.

A tough-tackling aggressive midfielder who is often praised for his work rate, Doucoure was linked with a host of clubs across the summer (h/t Daily Express). The Frenchman ultimately decided to stay put and will certainly play a key role in Javi Gracia’s squad this summer.

An able supporter to the defence, Doucoure provides the back line with security whenever needed. The 25-year-old is excellent at tracking back and stopping opposing teams on the counter. He is capable of playing in a wide number of formations and systems.

Generally deployed as a central midfielder, Doucoure likes to play a major part in the midfield. He is comfortable in possession and is capable of picking locks with his slick passing. The former Rennes midfielder averaged a pass success rate of 83.3% in the game against Brighton and Hove Albion.

Doucoure is also impressive with his movement on the ball and is capable of stretching defenders out of their zones. This will provide Watford’s forwards with greater freedom to play their game and flourish in the final third.

Doucoure remains unfazed under pressure and rarely looks out of place. An engine in the middle of the park, the midfielder has barely shown any signs of fatigue.

Hence, Doucoure is one of Watford’s loyal servants and will be one of their most important players during the business end of the season.

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He not only provides them with defensive stability but also plays a huge role in the attack. It’s not easy to find a reliable and quality midfielder like Doucoure and the Hornets must ensure they hold onto the midfielder for a long time.