David Moyes baffles with Idrissa Gueye reliance, stats prove one thing about new Everton contract
Idrissa Gueye probably knows he doesn’t have long left at Everton, both contractually and qualitatively.
The midfielder is in the final months of his current deal at the Toffees and is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
While the Senegal international played a key role in his country winning the Africa Cup of Nations, the Premier League has undoubtedly offered fans in L4 a reality check.
David Moyes has continued to rely on the 36-year-old as one of the mainstays in the engine room at the Blues, but the Scottish manager’s faith in him may not be warranted.
Everton should part ways with Idrissa Gueye after what he’s done this season
Gueye signed a one-year contract extension last summer, keeping him at the Toffees for another year.
The Blues arguably needed to keep hold of the Senegalese star as they lacked depth in the middle of the park after Abdoulaye Doucoure’s departure.
With The Friedkin Group clearly failing to back Moyes appropriately over the last two transfer windows, the veteran midfielder’s continuity has been necessary.
In the summer, the American owners must invest heavily in the Merseyside outfit’s squad and give the Scottish manager the quality in depth required to compete.
Gueye should have no place in the Blues’ squad next season, ranking 10th in terms of average Sofascore rating among players who have made at least 50 per cent of Premier League appearances for them.
In 18 league appearances for the Toffees, the veteran midfielder has made two errors that have led to shots, has an 8 per cent dribbling success rate and has lost possession 8.4 times per game.
Idrissa Gueye Premier League reveal more concerning at Hill Dickinson Stadium
In terms of those considered midfielders by Sofascore, Gueye ranks 90th for average Sofascore rating from the list of players who have made at least 15 appearances.
The Senegal international ranks 39th when it comes to interceptions and 49th for tackles in the top flight this season.
It’s clear that Gueye is past his best, and Everton should look to move on from him at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes should be preparing for the future by giving Tim Iroegbunam opportunities over the ageing midfielder, but the Scottish manager seems to be focusing on short-term goals rather than sustainability and development.
For more in-depth analysis on the Toffees, visit Football Insider.