Former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko has described Abdoulaye Doucoure as a 'top player' and believes he could be key if Mali are to qualify for the World Cup for the first time this year.
The 29-year-old has been included in the Mali squad for the first time as the African nation prepares to play important qualifiers for World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Mali return to action tomorrow.
Doucoure was first approached by the Mali FA to represent the country of his parents in March 2019. However, he opted to reject the approach, preferring to try and force himself into the reckoning for the French national side.
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Despite turning the Mali FA down, he left the door open to a future appearance. However, at the time he made clear he was targeting a place with France under Didier Deschamps.
The French-born midfielder has represented France at every youth level, from under 17s straight through to under 21s, but has never received a full international call up for Les Bleus.
With no call-up forthcoming, Mali returned in September 2020 in a bid to include him in their squad to face Iran and Turkey, but once again he declined the offer. However, after negotiations with Mali FA President Baviuex Toure, Doucoure has finally decided to make the switch.
The midfielder made the move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2020 after years of speculation that a transfer from Watford would take place. Doucoure quickly established himself as one of the most crucial members of the Blues squad following his Goodison arrival with a string of impressive displays.
Doucoure is set to make his Mali debut against Tunisia tomorrow in the first-leg of their World Cup play-off. And Sissoko is hoping that the Everton star can help fire them to this year's World Cup.
"I think he's the top player now he's joined the national team of Mali and I think it's the best moment for him," the former Liverpool man told BBC Sport Africa.
"He will bring all the experience, he will bring all his assurance, he will bring lots of good things for this team, this young team. For me, Abdoulaye Doucoure is one of the top players for Mali right now. I hope he is going to help all of them to reach the World Cup."
