Everton duo Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye kicked off their World Cup tournament on Tuesday evening.
Senegal were in action against France, with Didier Deschamps’ men taking all three points in a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Gueye started the game for Senegal, but there was only a spot on the bench for Ndiaye.
Which Everton player are you expecting to have the best World Cup? 🏆
The Everton pair now face Norway and Iraq in the hope of extending their stay in North America to the knockout stages.
Senegal’s national media impressed by Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye
Gueye is still yet to agree a contract extension at Everton, with the player now fully focused on the task at hand with his national side.
Having started the game on Tuesday, the 36-year-old did, however, impress the media back in his homeland.
“Idrissa Gana Gueye is very active in winning back possession, valuable in the team’s balance,” said D Sports.
How are we being punished again by the Premier League? 😡
Everton ordered to pay Burnley £40m in compensation…
He may have found himself on the losing side, but it was a strong performance from the veteran midfielder.
- 88 minutes played
- 92% pass accuracy
- 2/2 tackles won
- 2/3 ground duels won
- 66 touches
Everton will have been watching and Gueye’s performance will have only cemented their hope to extend his stay on Merseyside by a further year.
As for Ndiaye, the winger had to settle for a late cameo appearance from the bench.
After coming on in the 83rd minute, Ndiaye was still able to provide the assist for Senegal’s only goal of the game.
That will give their manager, Pape Thiaw, something to think about for the upcoming game against Norway on Tuesday.
Ndiaye has admitted he wants to play European football as speculation over his future continues to grow now the transfer window is open.
Following the loss in their opening game, the Senegalese team now have it all to do if they want to progress out of their group.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
