Everton: Senegal media question Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye decisions after World Cup exit
Everton pair Idrissa Gana Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye's 2026 World Cup journeys are over after defeat to Belgium in extra time.
Technically, Gueye is no longer an Everton player following the expiry of his contract on 1 July.
However, the Toffees do have a contract offer on the table for the midfielder.
His experience could be a crucial asset for David Moyes, and that trait has been singled out following Senegal's crushing World Cup exit.
Attacker Ndiaye's performance has also been analysed by the Senegal media following the fixture.
And for both, the same question has been asked of manager Pape Thiaw involving the Everton pair.
Senegal media reserve special praise for Everton duo despite elimination
Although Ndiaye and Gueye's World Cup journey is over, the duo can still be pleased with their own efforts.
The Lions of Teranga were certainly not eliminated through the fault of the Everton pair.
In the eyes of the Senegalese media, that is also the case. Senegal news outlet Senenews has singled out Gueye as one of the players who "can hold their head high."
They state: "Pape Gueye and Gana Gueye controlled the midfield for a long time before the team lost its balance."
Both of those players did not make it far into extra time, with the Everton man taken off after 95 minutes and his midfield partner subbed in the 66th.
Meanwhile, WIW Sports has questioned the decision to take off both Ndiaye and Gueye, with the former described as one of the "best Senegalese players on the pitch".
The online outlet shares: "Habib Diarra and Iliman Ndiaye were probably the two best Senegalese players on the pitch. They were substituted in the 73rd minute."
"Pape Matar Sarr and Ibrahim Mbaye, who replaced them, were completely inadequate. Not to mention the substitutions of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Sadio Mane, who, with their experience, could well have been crucial during extra time.
"After all, these two players had just played every possible minute for Senegal in this World Cup. Why take them off now?"
When will Ndiaye return to Finch Farm?
With Ndiaye out of the World Cup, the Toffees have a timeline of an expected returned.
Similarly, Gueye is in the same boat but it is not yet certain he will be back in L3 for next season.
FIFA have mandated a 21-day holiday for all World Cup stars following their exit from the competition.
So, after defeat on 1 July, the Blues could expect the winger to report for pre-season anytime in the days after 22 July dependent on when he would be officially classed as released by Senegal.
Ndiaye will likely miss Everton's pre-season friendlies against Dundee (18 July) and Bolton (25 July) but perhaps could be selected against Stoke (28 July).
Either way, while the exit is a crushing blow, David Moyes will selfishly be delighted one of his top stars will at least feature in a few pre-season fixtures now.