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Paul Merson says Idrissa Gueye adds energy to Everton

Sunderland's Duncan Watmore in action with Everton's Idrissa Gueye (REUTERS)
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The midfielder has been a huge hit at Goodison Park since arriving this summer.

Sunderland's Duncan Watmore in action with Everton's Idrissa GueyeSunderland’s Duncan Watmore in action with Everton’s Idrissa Gueye

Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that the main factor Idrissa Gueye has added to Everton is energy.

The midfielder arrived at Goodison Park this summer in a £7 million deal from Aston Villa.

The move went largely under the radar, especially in a transfer window of big money signings.

Everton's Idrissa Gueye in action with Middlesbrough's Adam ForshawEverton’s Idrissa Gueye in action with Middlesbrough’s Adam Forshaw

However, he has quickly proved to be one of the signings of the summer with a series of impressive displays that has seen him play a key role in the Toffees best start to a season since 1978.

The qualities he has added to Ronald Koeman’s team are numerous but Merson believes the biggest, and most important, is energy.

“I just thought with Everton last season they didn’t have too many legs in midfield,” he told Sky Sports.

“This lad [Gueye] gives them energy and that’s what they needed. They didn’t have that last season. With Bolasie’s pace [also] they have a bit more pace and direction in their play.”

Everton's Idrissa Gueye in action with Tottenham's Dele AlliEverton’s Idrissa Gueye in action with Tottenham’s Dele Alli

There is no denying that Gueye has proved to be an absolute bargain signing for Everton this season, despite only playing five games.

He is currently top of the Premier League in a number of statistical areas, dominating when it comes to tackles won and defensive duels won in particular.

That form has helped his team pick up 13 points from their first five games and put them second in the table, which is a magnificent return on seven million in anyone’s books.

Everton's Idrissa Gueye and Seamus Coleman in action with Sunderland's Lynden GoochEverton’s Idrissa Gueye and Seamus Coleman in action with Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch