Steven Pienaar lauds Idrissa Gueye’s impact at Everton

Steven Pienaar has lauded the impact of Idrissa Gueye to Everton, following his impressive performance during the 2017-18 season.

The 28-year-old played a vital role as the Goodison Park outfit – who at the beginning of the term were battling relegation – finished in eighth spot after amassing 49 points from 38 games.

The former Aston Villa player made 38 appearances across all competitions and scored three goals. With 117 successful tackles in the Premier League, his number is only bettered by Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi.

The former Toffees star, thrilled by the work-rate of the midfielder, compares him with Chelsea’s powerhouse N’Golo Kante, Tottenham Hotspurs’ Moussa Dembele, Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Manchester City’s Fernandinho.

“Idrissa is important to the team. If you look around at other clubs, they have one of those players like him,” Pienaar told club website.

"Chelsea have N’Golo Kante. Tottenham have Moussa Dembele, Eric Dier or Victor Wanyama, and City have Fernandinho who can all play that position.

“They are all important players that a lot of people don’t see the work they do.

"For me, Idrissa is vital because he does the dirty work but is also good on the ball. You need a link between attack and defence and he is that guy.”

Gbenga Adewoye