Idrissa Gueye is poised to play an all-important quarterfinal match in the Africa Cup of Nations against Cameroon but Evertonians are more concerned with how he’ll fit back into the team upon his return.
The quarterfinal against Cameroon is probably the only thing on the Senegalese midfielder’s mind. Once the tournament is over, though, thoughts will quickly switch to how he intends on sliding seamlessly back into an upstart starting 11.
A lot has happened in the short time Gueye has been competing for his national side at the Africa Nations of Cup, most of which of a positive nature. Gueye, usually considered a guaranteed starter in Koeman’s side, may have to fight for his spot.
Arguably Koeman’s best and most reliable player before departing for Africa, it would have been considered madness, even heresy, to say a few weeks ago that Gueye isn’t a certainty in Everton’s starting 11.
But that now is the reality.
Playing with self belief, confidence and youthful exuberance, Koeman’s side is firing on all cylinders, especially at the heart of midfield. Morgan Schneiderlin, Everton’s showcase, £24 million signing, hasn’t started yet, further emboldening how well Koeman’s midfield is performing.
While it’s only been two games since the Frenchman’s arrival from Manchester United, one would have expected the marquee signing to slide directly, and immediately, into the team.
But that hasn’t been the case. Gareth Barry has been solid, his age and vast experience perfectly complementing Tom Davies’ speed, youth and fearlessness.
If, and when, Barry falters, Schneiderlin is his logical replacement. Not as stoic or defensive minded as his older English counterpart, Schneiderlin offers Koeman a favorable, creative and skillful solution.
You’d have to be mad to take Davies out of the starting team. The 18-year-old is playing with incredibly well and deserves his spot in Everton’s midfield.
So, where does that leave Gueye?
James McCarthy is back in contention, Ross Barkley is a certainty and Muahmed Besic is on the verge of making a possible return, though he’ll be on the periphery for the foreseeable future.
With the wealth of talent and depth at his disposal, Koeman has tough decisions to make. But they are the kind of decisions every manager prefers. Competition is stiff and so the quality is high.
Gueye will find a way
Gueye, however, is an extremely influential asset for Koeman.
His boundless energy, innate reading of the game and preposterously wonderful tackling ability is enough to ensure Gueye will retain his spot in the first team, meaning Barry and maybe even Scneiderlin, until Davies has a few off games, will have to make way for their Senegalese teammate
And who knows, Gueye may be on the verge of accomplishing something special with his national side, which would offer Everton even more of the best kind of experience.
Next: Besic close to Everton return after long injury layoff
Winning experience.
Gueye will be welcomed back with open arms and, if not immediately upon his return, will work his way back into Everton’s starting team.
He’s that good and he’s that important to Everton’s flourishing side.