Idrissa Gueye stat from West Ham win shows incredible impact since Everton return
Idrissa Gueye put on a masterful display at Goodison Park on Sunday as Everton beat West Ham 1-0, and he thrived in one particular stat.
The Toffees claimed their first three points of the season last weekend, with Neal Maupay scoring the only goal of the game against West Ham to help Everton climb to 13th in the Premier League.
But while Maupay stole the headlines, Frank Lampard’s side were praised for their resilient defensive display, with Gueye in particular catching the eye.
The Senegalese midfielder started alongside Alex Iwobi and Amadou Onana in a midfield trio, and was tasked with protecting the back four – a task he performed brilliantly.
In fact, throughout the match, Gueye recorded 16 ball recoveries against the Hammers [Patrick Boyland], highlighting just how crucial he was in helping the team to a clean sheet.
A perfect balance
Lampard deserves credit for his consistent team selections. The back four have gelled and achieved consecutive clean sheets, and he seems to also have found a great balance in midfield.
Iwobi has impressed since being converted to a midfielder, and Onana has added some much-needed tenacity and energy in the middle of the park.
Behind them, Gueye is doing a great job of sweeping up in defence and proving an anchor for the team’s passing.
His £3.6million price tag already looks a bargain after just a handful of appearances this season, and the more these midfield three play together the more they’ll build an understanding.
Furthermore, James Garner and Tom Davies are waiting in the wings for a chance in the starting lineup, so there’s no room for complacency.
After struggling to find his ideal midfield last season, Lampard seems to have figured out the puzzle early on this time around.