HI-TECH, HI-SKILL, HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER

Inspired by boss Gracia, in-demand Doucoure is smashing it.. the stereotypes AND Premier League

HE is one of the most soughtafter midfielders in the world but Abdoulaye Doucoure says his greatest achievement in football is to have smashed a stereotype.

Inspired by boss Javi Gracia, the Watford star has scored 10 times across the last two seasons and provided nine assists.

Chelsea, Everton and Paris Saint-germain are among the clubs keen on him. Doucoure, happy at Vicarage Road, believes the interest comes from the realisation that he has far more to offer than just pace and power.

“At the beginning a lot of people said ‘Doucoure is not technical, he is only physical, he just runs,’” he said. “When they see me play here now, when they see me score goals and make assists, they say ‘Ah no, he is technical now. He can play.’

“So for me it is like a battle. Like a war against people saying that. It’s very important for me. I want to be seen as a normal midfielder who can score, who can pass, and who can recover the ball. This is my battle.”

Doucoure, 26, counts Yaya Toure, Bernardo Silva and Abou Diaby among his influences.

In 2010 he set up a goal for Paul Pogba as France lost 2-1 to England in the semi-finals of the European Under-17 Championship. They remain friends.

Speaking ahead of today’s trip to Manchester City, Doucoure said: “Sometimes they say black people don’t have technique. It’s not true.

“A lot of black players have technique. Yaya is a very technical player. Me? Yes, I try to use my skill. I try to dribble to score goals. I’m not only physical. I’m not just running. I can do a lot of things.

“Paul (Pogba) has shown in the last few months that he has very good technique.

“He has scored a lot of goals. He makes space, he makes a lot of assists as well.”

Despite all the hype around him, Doucoure (right, with Mirror reporter Darren Lewis) wants to continue his education under Gracia. A call-up to the France squad – after failing to make the World Cup last year –

FIGHTING THE FIGHT Watford star Doucoure is out to prove he is more than a midfield powerhouse