Abdoulaye Doucoure's Everton season has got off to a flying start.
The midfielder has already scored twice in six Premier League appearances to begin the 2021/22 campaign, already equalling the tally he finished the previous term with.
The 28-year-old's fine form has been recognised by fans and pundits alike, and was particularly highlighted following the Blues' 2-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.
The Frenchman bagged the second goal of the afternoon to seal all three points for Rafa Benitez's side, and make himself a hot topic of discussion on our latest Royal Blue podcast.
Host Adam Jones was joined by Dave Prentice and Connor O'Neill to discuss just how important Doucoure has made himself, and how other sides might look at stopping him in the future.
Listen to the latest episode of the Royal bleu Podcast in full HERE
Dave: Of course, Doucoure. He's absolutely top class, he's everywhere isn't he?
He's fast becoming probably the most important member of the team I would think, possibly more so than Demarai Gray or Andros Townsend.
He's so important in driving the team forward and tracking back, and he's actually getting on the end of things now. The manager has said he's given him a goals target this season, and he's already well on the way to whittling that down!
Adam: There was obviously a lot of pundits raving about Doucoure, and Prenno was right in what he's said he does look a different player this season, his attacking stats particularly have looked really impressive.
But for me it's his perpetual motion, he plays a one-touch pass and instantly he's running 30 yards in between the lines to pick up the ball again - always looking to create things for himself or somebody else.
That's the kind of dynamic midfielder Everton thought they were getting when they first signed him last summer wasn't it?
Connor: The really interesting thing about Doucoure is that he seems to have kicked on again and been given a new lease of life by Rafa.
When he came in under Carlo we were all taken aback by him, mainly I think because he had legs and could get about the pitch, Everton hadn't had that for a long time! It was so refreshing!
But this year he's gone up another level. He's getting on the end of things, he's creating things. We look at the goals obviously but the assist for Demarai Gray against Burnley, that ball cut the back line out completely.
For me he's become a real focal point of the team now. The big thing moving forward is that he's becoming someone the opposition will have to mark, he'll become a marked man.
In turn, that could free up other attacking players to come to life because I think in the past we've been one dimensional, we've had one standout forward player. If you look after them, Everton won't do any damage.
Now, with Doucoure playing, it's another headache for the opposition to think about. You look one way and he's in front of the back four, the next minute he's the furthest forward.
He's become a real focal point. His energy and the way he's taking his chances have made him an all-round better player.
You've got to give credit to Benitez for getting the best out of him. We all thought Carlo was, but Rafa has taken it to another level.
Maybe Carlo should have given him some targets at the start of last season! You look at Everton's midfield and you can't see anyone getting in ahead of Allan or Doucoure at the minute because they're vital to the way the team is set up.
Adam: We've obviously seen a lot of praise for Doucoure over recent days, but because of that do you think Allan is going under the radar?
He's shown himself a little bit of extra attacking flair this season, he was the one who won the penalty on Saturday of course with a little burst into the box.
Dave: I think he has gone under the radar, yes. He does deserve a lot of credit.
I worry about him sometimes because of that hamstring injury he had last season which sort of came out of nowhere really, my heart is always in my throat a little bit when you see him going on runs of over ten or 15 metres!
That's because he is so important. It's a nice little partnership they've got there. His defensive discipline in sitting in allows Doucoure to make those bursting runs forward, and he's very good at filling the roles behind.
Doucoure gets the headlines obviously because he's the one who's scored goals and get on the end of things, but Allan isn't shy on getting forward. He was absolutely adamant it was a penalty, showing the mark on his quad to the referee!
He probably has gone under the radar a little bit and does deserve credit. The pair of them have been equally as good as each other this season.
Long may that fitness and freedom from injury continue.
