Idrissa Gana Gueye started in midfield as Everton held Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League title chasers Liverpool to a draw at Goodison Park.
Jermaine Jenas has hailed the performance of Idrissa Gana Gueye in Sunday’s Merseyside derby draw between Everton and Liverpool, while speaking on Match of the Day (3 March, 10.25pm).
Not for the first time, a much-hyped fixture failed to deliver with the North West rivals playing out a disappointing stalemate at Goodison Park. As is often typical for a Merseyside derby, it was a game full of tenacity but low on quality.
However, Gueye was a shining light, producing a typically tigerish performance in the centre of the park while disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm throughout.
“The real bright spark was Idrissa Gana Gueye. He was not only combative but when he needed to be a bit more calm on the ball he had that ability, too,” said the former England international.
“For 60 minutes he was absolutely brilliant, winning it and hurrying (Mo Salah) into mistakes. (Roberto) Firmino came on and he was all over him as well.”
Gueye was expected to leave Goodison Park in January having reportedly agreed a contract with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, as reported by La Parisien.
But if he was disappointed by Everton’s decision to block his move to the Parc des Princes, he certainly did not show it when Liverpool made the short trip across Stanley Park.
Gueye offered a reminder of why he is so highly regarded, and the Toffees will be breathing a sigh of relief in the knowledge that PSG appear to have taken themselves off the market for the time being, having signed Leandro Paredes from Zenit instead.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
