Senegal journalist shares what he’s noticed about Everton’s Idrissa Gueye at AFCON, he’s tipped for major feat
Everton could do with Idrissa Gana Gueye returning from the African Cup of Nations right about now.
Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are currently serving international duties with Senegal at this year’s AFCON tournament, with the pair set to feature in a Quarter-final clash against Mali on Friday.
David Moyes watched his side draw 1-1 with Wolves last time out in the Premier League, as the Toffees seem like they need their Senegal stars more than ever.
Even though the Blues took a point from the game, it felt like a loss with Michael Keane and Jack Grealish receiving controversial red cards.
Gueye‘s importance to Everton in particular has been highlighted in his absence, as updates from Africa suggest that the midfielder still has a lot left to give the Toffees once he returns to Merseyside in January.
Saikou Seydi claims Idrissa Gane Gueye has two more years left at Everton
Gueye has continued to perform well for Everton, and despite now being 36 years old, he is showing no signs of slowing down.
The defensive midfielder has formed a great partnership with James Garner over the last two seasons, while Moyes may be selfishly wishing for Senegal to drop out of AFCON sooner rather than later.
| Player | Games | Average rating |
| Idrissa Gana Gueye | 4 | 7.38 |
As highlighted by Sofascore, Gueye has carried his good form over from the Hill Dickinson Stadium and is putting in consistent performances for Senegal, averaging a 7.38 match rating.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Senegalese journalist Saikou Seydi opened up on the Everton man’s importance to his country.
Seydi said: “Idrissa Gueye is like wine; the older he gets, the better he becomes. He’s among the best Senegalese players in the tournament.
“I think he can still play at the top level for two more seasons. He really doesn’t have the legs of someone who’s 36. He’ll definitely be able to play in the 2027 and 2028 African Cup of Nations. He is of vital importance to Pape Thiaw’s squad.”
If Gueye were to continue playing until he was 38, he would extend his current record as the oldest Senegalese player to feature at AFCON.
Not many would have thought that the veteran would still be at the top of his game in 2026 when he re-signed for the Toffees back in 2022.
David Moyes’ midfield dilemma
Everton decided to recall Harrison Armstrong from his successful loan spell in the Championship with Preston North End.
The teenager started in the Blues’ draw with Wolves on Wednesday in a midfield three when Tim Iroegbunam also featured.
Iroegbunam provided the assist for Keane’s first-half goal and had a good performance all things considered.
However, Moyes will soon have a decision to make on whether to stick with a midfield three or push Iroegbunam and Armstrong out of the starting lineup.
The Everton boss usually opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation, which could see Gueye and Garner both retain their double pivot spot upon the AFCON star’s return.