Three potential Idrissa Gueye replacements Everton could target
By Chris Smith
2. Wilfried Ndidi
Of all the midfielders in the Premier League, only two have attempted more defensive duels than Gueye’s 248: Wolves’ Joao Moutinho (276) and Leicester City’s Wilfried Ndidi (272).
At 32-years-old, the former doesn’t fit the profile of player Marcel Brands seems to be targetting at the moment. The latter, however, certainly does.
Ndidi has actually managed more interceptions than Gueye this season, making 58 to the Everton man’s 52, while the Nigerian’s height has seen him win 112 aerial duels in the Premier League this season, compared to just 26 for his much smaller, Senegalese counterpart.
Granted, Ndidi’s passing lets him down in a similar way to Gueye’s, completing just 82.6% of his passes this season, while the fact he is playing for another Premier League club will bump up any potential price.
However, if you’re looking for a ready-made, Premier League proven, defensive midfielder to fill any potential hole Gueye could leave, Ndidi fits the bill perfectly, while his age is right in line with the current recruitment trends being set at Goodison Park from the 2018 summer window.