Dyche could shackle West Ham danger by starting Everton’s £80k-p/w ‘warrior’

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Everton are back in Premier League action today, but face a stern test as they travel to West Ham United.

Having just come off the back of an admirable display at Anfield, in which a frustrating penalty hampered their efforts of snagging a point, the Toffees will be keen to right the wrongs of that loss to Liverpool with another spirited display against David Moyes’ men.

However, much of the intrigue for the clash will come not from the Scotsman, who spent 11 impressive years at Goodison Park, but instead Mohammed Kudus, who came so close to joining Everton back in the summer of 2022.

Having since gone on to enjoy a truly outstanding campaign with Ajax, the Hammers ended up being the beneficiaries of his talents, securing his services for £38m amidst widespread interest.

Keeping the Ghana international silent will be integral in ensuring they can claim a result on the road, so perhaps Sean Dyche could put key measures in place to mitigate his talents.

As such, perhaps a return to the side for Idrissa Gana Gueye could be in order, whose relentless work rate and defensive excellence might make him the perfect man to quell the Irons’ danger man.

How good is Idrissa Gana Gueye?

Having been absent from the side since his late drop-out against AFC Bournemouth, it seemed unlikely that the 34-year-old would be able to displace any of Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Garner or Amadou Onana after their recent performances.

However, few can offer the work ethic that he provides, having already shone in the engine room this season as a constant thorn in the side of opposition players.

As such, the Senegalese stalwart is recording 2.3 tackles and 7.9 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League, and when compared to other midfielders across Europe, he therefore sits in the top 2% for tackles per 90 and the top 12% for interceptions per 90, via FBref.

He is an ever-present defensive asset, and little has changed since journalist Andy Murray branded the £80k-per-week ace a ‘warrior’ in 2016.

Today might mark one of his sternest challenges yet, to shackle a man who offers just as much energy as him, but who also scored 18 and assisted seven across all competitions last season.

It promises to be a key midfield battle that could decide the result of the match.