Abdoulaye Doucoure believes that Sean Dyche is a ‘perfect fit’ for Everton.
Sunday’s visit of Chelsea at Goodison Park sees the hosts going up against a team who would be competitive equals were it not for a 10-point deduction.
It marks a far cry from the previous campaign when Doucoure’s strike against Bournemouth preserved the club’s Premier League status on the final day.
And the Mail international has hailed Dyche’s innate understanding of the Blues’ dressing room as a driving force in their recent upturn in fortunes.
He said: “We knew from last season that we needed two change something.
“The manager understands us very well and has a lot of experience of the Premier League, so he has just given us confidence and belief.
“He was a big change for the club – and I would say that he is the perfect fit.
“The manager is very honest. He tells us the truth no matter what, so he’s been good.
“He has done a lot for me. I was not even in the team.
“When I signed my new contract, he joked with me and said ‘you are not even in the picture!”
“It was a good joke from him. It made me smile because I was happy.
“He believes in me – but he believes in everyone. He gives every player a chance to play.”
Doucoure netted his tenth goal in 30 outings as Dyche’s side put Newcastle to the sword on Thursday to pull clear of the Preimer League’s relegation zone.
The midfielder pinpoints that best-ever return to his isolation from the first-team ranks at the end of Frank Lampard’s reign prior to Dyche’s arrival.
“In the beginning when I came back into the team, I had a little bit of anger because I wanted to play,” added Doucoure.
“I scored a couple of important goals and it has gone on. It is in my game to get in the box and I always believe I can score goals in any game.
“You are going to miss some as well!
“It was strange for me playing further back in midfield (against Newcastle) but the more the game went on the more comfortable I felt.
“I got my reward in the end.”