The Toffees have started the current Premier League campaign on a strong note with three wins and a draw in four outings and the Frenchman has been one of the top performers.
Doucoure has set up three goals and has scored one himself so far this season, and could have been amongst the goals again on Monday as his team sealed a 3-1 comeback win against Burnley at Goodison Park.
Ex-Everton star Ball is of the view that Doucoure has transformed into a completely different player under Benitez this season compared to his performance under Carlo Ancelotti last term, as he now has a license to be more involved in attack.
Ball lauded Doucoure for being a workhorse in the Toffees midfield, becoming more of an impact player this season with an added focus on attacking.
“Doucoure said at the start of the season that Rafa wants him more involved going forward and he has the engine and the ability to do everything in midfield”, Ball wrote in his Liverpool Echo column.
“He’s the all-round package.
“He can sit, he likes closing players down but he’s also got that drive with the ball and is getting involved with the goals. He was unlucky to be offside but he’s everywhere.
“He’s all over the midfield and hopefully he can chip in with a few goals and a few assists.
“Doucoure has shown so far he is a totally different player under Rafa Benitez who has given him that licence to go and impact the game, to not just be a passenger.
“The manager is asking more from the players.
“Rafa has come in and identified what we need, pace and players running at the opposition and Doucoure is a massive plus point.”
Doucoure is expected to start again when Everton travel to the Midlands at the weekend to take on Aston Villa in a top flight clash and the Toffees faithful will be hoping he will be able to make more direct goal contributions.
