Everton are without their talismanic midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye for the foreseeable future.
Everton star Idrissa Gana Gueye could miss up to seven games whilst he’s away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
David Moyes has been selecting Tim Iroegbunam in Gueye’s absence, and the former Aston Villa star was excellent against Arsenal at the weekend.
What did you make of Tim Iroegbunam’s performance vs Arsenal?
Moyes hailed Iroegbunam in his post-match interview, saying: “I thought Tim Iroegbunam played really well… he was up against probably the best midfield player (Declan Rice) in the world in some ways.”
The 22-year-old has recently spoken to Everton’s website and made a very bold claim about Gueye, which Moyes will be happy to hear.
Tim Iroegbunam determined to keep Idrissa Gana Gueye out of the Everton team
Iroegbunam has made no secret of his desire to keep Gueye out of the starting line-up when he returns from AFCON.
“I always look up to Idrissa, but I’m hoping I can show what I can so that when he comes back, I’m giving the gaffer a reason to not put him straight back in,” the Toffees midfielder admitted.
“That’s on me. That’s my opportunity. I’ve just got to go and grab it.”
Moyes will be delighted to hear Iroegbunam’s enthusiasm to really cement himself as a key player for the Toffees.
Indeed, it will be difficult to displace Gueye for the rest of the season, but even the competition will be beneficial for both.
The levels will only be raised as a result, and that’ll be infectious on the rest of the group around Finch Farm.
Tim Iroegbunam needs to improve in possession
If Iroegbunam is to keep his place in the team, he will need to become more proficient in possession of the ball.
Moyes referenced that notion after the Arsenal game: “We want him to look to play forward a bit more and be a bit more positive, but his retention of the ball and his work was very good and he’s done a good job against Declan tonight.”
Iroegbunam will also be aware that if he doesn’t impress over the next couple of weeks, Harrison Armstrong could be recalled from Preston.
What would be the best decision for Armstrong’s development? 😬
Armstrong has been excelling at North End, and Moyes has already admitted that he’s considering bringing him back.
A telling festive period awaits the Toffees.
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