Stan Collymore has hailed Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye.
Pundit Stan Collymore has told The Mirror that he thinks Everton landed a real coup over the summer by signing midfielder Idrissa Gueye from Aston Villa.
The Toffees have enjoyed a fine start to life under new manager Ronald Koeman, winning five of their ten Premier League games under the Dutchman so far to take sixth place in the table heading into this weekend’s trip to Chelsea.
Not only has Koeman made Everton a much more solid team than they were under predecessor Roberto Martinez, but his summer signings have largely made a positive impact.
West Ham United’s Simone Zaza in action with Everton’s Idrissa Gueye
Enner Valencia hasn’t done much so far, but Maarten Stekelenburg has been solid in goal, Ashley Williams has formed a strong partnership with Phil Jagielka in central defence, whilst winger Yannick Bolasie already has four assists this season.
However, the summer signing to impress the most may be midfielder Idrissa Gueye. The Senegal international is racking up an average of 4.5 tackles per game – the highest amount in the Premier League – whilst his pass completion percentage of 87.9% also puts him among the Premier League’s best.
Everton’s Idrissa Gueye in action with Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend
Everton paid just £7.1m (The Guardian) to land Gueye from relegated Aston Villa, with the Toffees seemingly not concerned with him being a part of that dismal Villa side – and they were right to pick him out as the star man from that team.
Gueye has been superb in the middle of the park for Everton so far, earning comparisons to Chelsea star N’Golo Kante, and he’s now been praised by former Villa striker and current pundit Stan Collymore.
Collymore has told The Mirror that he really rates Gueye, viewing him as a ‘real coup’ – and credited director of football Steve Walsh for signing him, suggesting that the 27-year-old is becoming one of the best defensive midfielders around.
Radio presenter and former player Stan Collymore
“In Idrissa Gueye, Koeman has a player I really rate,” said Collymore. “Getting him when Aston Villa went down was a real coup in my book – and the credit for that must go to Steve Walsh, one of the best talent-spotters around.”
“Taking Walsh from Leicester after they won the League was another smart Everton move. And as he did with Leicester I’m certain Walsh will unearth some hidden gems in Europe for Everton. I know for a fact he tried to buy Gueye before he managed to sign N’Golo Kante for Leicester from French side Caen and he’s blossoming into one of the best defensive midfielders around,” he added.
What have you thought of Gueye’s performances so far?
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