This player scouting report was generated through watching a full live video of the match between Watford vs Leicester City 20/06/2020.
Match: Watford vs Leictster City 20/06/2020
Minutes played: 77
Venue: Vicarage Road
Weather: Clear and dry, no wind, 19 degrees
Overview: Abdoulaye Doucouré is a 27 year old right footed French midfielder who stands at 6ft tall and can play in several central midfield roles.
Technical:
Doucouré displayed a below average range of short passing with several short passes intercepted and while other passes reached the intended receiving player they were often at an awkward height and were not technically executed well. Doucouré did not make any longer or progressive passes on this occasion. He did not display the technical ability to beat an opposition player 1v1 or create the necessary space to create a second action on several occasions which lead to him being dispossessed easily. A final third regain by a teammate lead to a big chance opportunity for a first time shot which was side footed centrally at goal and easily saved. His shooting action looked rushed and uncomfortable. Overall Doucouré displayed average technical ability for this level.
Tactical:
Doucouré played in a central advanced midfield role as part of a three man midfield having licence to stay up the pitch and join in attacks when in possession. Out of possession he then formed the top of a compact shape which formed a mid block and low press. When his team were in possession he tended to drift out towards the right hand side of the pitch in an attempt to create space to receive the ball but did not look comfortable in this area of the pitch and made no intelligent runs forward. He was at times the highest player up the pitch and although he took up good intelligent positions his press was halfhearted and was easily beaten by simple passing combinations. Doucouré did not seem to check his shoulders and be aware of his surrounding at times which lead to him being very positional static when out of possession. He was not given any defensive responsibilities in his role.
Physical:
Doucouré has a broad athletic gangly imposing frame with very wide shoulders. His running style is a little uncoordinated with long awkward strides however this allows him to cover large areas of the pitch quickly particularly in recovery runs. Whilst he can cover large areas quickly when running towards opposition players at speed he was unable to slow himself down adequately and gave away fouls on two occasions. He did not look to engage in any aerial duels and was not particularly brave when faced with ground duels to win the ball. Despite his size he showed poor ball protection in several instances with his feet planted too narrow and his chest bent forward under pressure and his arms not spread, this lead to opposition players being able to put undue pressure and force him into making a decision and when opting to play a pass in these tight situations it was intercepted due to this pressure.
Summary:
Abdoulaye Doucouré is a versatile box to box central midfielder who displays some outstanding athletic qualities. He showed flashes of ability and his unpredictability makes him harder to defend against but he can let himself down with erratic and unorthodox technical execution and at times displays a lack of tactical intelligence.
Grade: C
Recommended Clubs: Newcastle, West Ham, Aston Villa
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