'To be honest' - Abdoulaye Doucoure makes Carlos Alcaraz admission after Everton transfer

Abdoulaye Doucoure has been speaking ahead of Everton's Premier League clash against Brentford

Abdoulaye Doucoure is relishing the competition for a place in David Moyes’ starting line-up following the arrival of Carlos 'Charly' Alcaraz. The 32-year-old has been a mainstay in Everton’s starting XI under both Sean Dyche and Moyes so far this season.

However, the midfielder now has competition in the No.10 position following the arrival of Alcaraz on loan from Flamengo during the January transfer window.

Alcaraz, who played in Southampton's opening game of the season before moving to the Brazilian outfit for £15m, was handed his first start for the Blues against Crystal Palace earlier this month. The start came as a result of the red card Doucoure picked up following the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.

The Argentine would net the winner for his side at Selhurst Park, only to drop back to the bench for Saturday’s draw with Manchester United. And Doucoure, who was on target against the Red Devils, is welcoming the competition.

He said: “I think since [Moyes] came in, he’s given me so much faith, so much confidence. So obviously every time I step on the pitch, I need to give that confidence back.

“Carlos had a very good game, so it's good to have competition on the team and every time you're on the pitch, you need to make the difference.

“To be honest, I feel very good. Physically, I feel very good as well. I love the spirit around the club at the moment. The manager is very calm. I think that helps me a lot.

“My form has been very good, so I just want to keep going, keep working hard, and finish the season very strong.”

The Blues played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against United at Goodison Park on Saturday. However, Doucoure felt it was a case of two points dropped, given his side had raced into a 2-0 lead at the break.

“I think we did everything in the first half to be in front,” he reflected to evertontv. "We controlled the game until the 70th minute when we made a mistake, and they score from a free kick.

“So, it’s difficult to take because obviously we wanted to win today. But sometimes it happens. We need to take it on the chin, and we need to go for the next game.”

Doucoure does, though, believe his side should have been awarded a penalty in stoppage time, saying: “It was clear for us. For us, it was a pen, so we don't understand why the decision was overturned.

“Sometimes it happens in football, so you have to learn from that and go again next week.”

The Blues return to action on Wednesday night when they take on Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium, and Doucoure is confident his side can secure all three points given their newfound confidence in front of goal.

“I think every game we have the confidence we're going to score,” he said. “We created so many chances again today.

“We could score more goals and that's very good to see unbeaten games in the Premier League. It's a great thing for us and let's go for more now.”