Everton’s Idrissa Gueye: ‘I am a perfectionist. I don’t like losing the ball – ever’ via The Guardian
Ronald Koeman’s 26-year-old midfielder – signing of the season so far – on his journey from Senegal to Merseyside
“Perfect in every aspect of football.” Of all the tributes paid to
Idrissa Gana Gueye for his impact at Everton – the new N’Golo Kanté, the signing of the season so far or an absolute steal at 6.3% of the cost of Paul Pogba, to repeat a few – none have been as hard-earned or important as Ronald Koeman’s description of his display
against Middlesbrough last Saturday. And what does Gueye recall of the game? A missed tackle. Perfect does not sit easily with a perfectionist.
Everton were 3-1 ahead and comfortably repelling Middlesbrough’s attempts to get back into the contest when, to general astonishment around Goodison Park, their relentless midfielder slid into a challenge near the touchline and did not emerge with the ball. Gueye punched the pitch in anger as his opponent escaped. He broke into laughter in stoppage time when, having sprayed a pass out to Tom Cleverley, the realisation dawned that the Everton substitute was in the technical area waiting to replace Gareth Barry. They were the only slips in a performance that warranted high praise from Everton’s demanding manager and maintained the Senegal international’s seamless transition from Aston Villa. But that tackle …
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