Marco Silva was full of praise for Idrissa Gueye, commending the Everton midfielder on his attitude and form in 2019. The 29-year-old tried to force a move away from Goodison Park in January when Paris Saint-Germain were keen on his signature, but the move broke down and he’s had to come to terms with seeing the season out at Everton.
Gueye’s form has been outstanding in the last few months, however, and his manager is delighted that he’s put the failed move behind him. The central midfielder could yet leave Everton when the season comes to a close, but he’s not letting January’s setback affect his mood. Silva even believes the Senegalese international is having his best season in an Everton shirt.
He said to Liverpool Echo: “Firstly, (Gueye) showed me and all of you how he is a good professional. Sometimes, when you have an opportunity in your mind but you lose it because you have a contract with the club and you are an important player for that club, and you miss out on what could be your dream, sometimes it is not easy for a player.
“He is showing how he is a good professional and how he is working really hard. He is having a very good season, his best season at Everton. He is improving, knowing better what I want coming from a player in his position. I am giving him a little bit of a different role and he is improving and knowing better what the team needs from him.”
Gueye has made 30 Premier League appearances this season, making two assists. He’s made 43 clearances, won 30 aerial duels (49%), blocked 12 shots and crosses in total, averaged 52 passes-per-game with 84% accuracy and has averaged a tackle (129) or interception (66) every 13 minutes.
He’s made 105 appearances in all competitions since joining Everton in 2016 and could be leading the Toffees to a top-seven finish in the league. Whether he’ll be at Goodison Park for a top-four push in 2019/20 remains to be seen, however.
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