If there is one thing Everton fans revere, it’s hard work.
For years now the teams have been built on a tireless work ethic that has resonated with the Goodison Park faithful, from Howard Kendall’s legendary team of the 1980s to Joe Royle’s ‘Dogs of War’ in the following decade.
Finally, with Sean Dyche at the helm, something similar seems to be slowly returning.
The 52-year-old tactician has instilled a steely philosophy into his Toffees team across his 13 months in office, which saw him narrowly avoid the drop last term and battle a points deduction this term.
It is that event which is set to invoke one of the most raucous atmospheres in recent history, with mass protests planned for today’s clash with Manchester United.
In an effort to further rile up the Everton faithful, perhaps it might be intelligent for Dyche to unleash his top tackler. Therefore, Idrissa Gana Gueye surely will start.
How good is Idrissa Gana Gueye?
Whether Dyche was in need of an enforcer or not, the Senegalese star had arguably earned a starting spot after emerging from the bench to score the winner in their last match.
The 34-year-old was enlisted to replace the injured Amadou Onana at halftime, and silenced Selhurst Park with a fine 45-minute display.
Even if he has fallen down the pecking order, the ageing ace has remained as workmanlike and professional as ever.
As such, he is still managing 2.3 tackles and 6.7 ball recoveries per game from just eight starts, more than meriting the ‘warrior’ title that journalist Andy Murray bestowed upon him, via Sofascore.
To place him into their engine room could not only see the likes of Bruno Fernandes nullified, but also allow the home crowd to feed off his unbridled energy to maintain their levels. Should he be on form today, Goodison Park will be in fine voice based on his tough-tackling showing alone.
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