Idrissa Gana Gueye will be ‘very important’ for Everton despite his lack of appearances.
That’s according to journalist Paul Brown, who thinks the midfielder will be able to slot into the team and ‘produce at a high level’ when asked.
Idrissa Gueye was previously one of Everton’s best players prior to his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, however he is far from the player he once was these days.
The 34-year-old returned to Goodison Park last year and maintained a regular spot in the team, making 33 appearances in the Premier League last season.
While Gueye continued in the starting line-up in the opening stages of the current campaign, he has now found himself out of favour due to the brilliant form of Amadou Onana, James Garner and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
While the Senegal international hasn’t started a game since September, he did come on at half-time against Crystal Palace and netted the winner four minutes from time.
It would be a surprise to see Gueye force his way back into Sean Dyche’s permanent plans, though Paul Brown still believes he can play an important role.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown said: “I think he’s going to be very important this season. I said before I think that he’s the kind of experienced professional who is going to be able to slot into the team quite seamlessly if he’s missed a game or been rested and will still produce at a high level.
I just think he’s someone who doesn’t need a consistent run of games to maintain his form. He’s used to this kind of thing, and I think he’s got an important role to play because he might not start every game at his age. And that seems like a smart decision really from the manager. But I think when he plays, he’ll be able to contribute and that’s huge for Sean Dyche.”
Can Idrissa Gueye still make an impact at Everton?
It is a huge relief that Everton don’t have to rely on a 34-year-old to run that midfield anymore, because he was far from the standards that the Toffees require on in order to avoid a relegation battle.
The three other midfielders have really pushed on and have made their positions their own, but Gueye could definitely be effective elsewhere. His experience certainly makes it easier for Dyche to chuck him in when needed, and he proved against the Eagles that he is capable of making an impact from the bench.
The veteran is definitely a useful squad player and it is ideal for Dyche that he can use him as that without having to rely on him performing at a really high level for 90 minutes every week.
Though we could well see Gueye’s time on Merseyside come to an end next summer as he approaches the end of his contract, but it is probably about time to part ways with him for good.
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