PSG making a move for Everton midfielder: Why the Toffees must keep hold of him

According to Sky Sports, PSG are interested in the services of Idrissa Gueye. The Everton midfielder has been a consistent performer in the Premier League for the past couple of season, ideally attracting the interest of the French champions, who are looking into the possibility of signing him in the upcoming January transfer window.

Gueye’s current contract with Everton expires in 2022, meaning the Senegalese international is likely to cost a fortune. But, the departure of this highly talented midfielder could be a huge loss for Everton from a sporting perspective and here’s why.

Why should Everton resist PSG’s interest in Idrissa Gueye

Gueye initially joined Everton back in 2016 from a €8.5 million move from Aston Villa. Since then, the 29-year-old has become a household name in the Merseyside, having made 88 appearances in all competitions.

While Gueye is normally distinguished as a neat and tidy midfielder, who can sweep the middle with some excellent passing, his overall gameplay has drastically improved in the past few years, mostly on a tactical level.

Indeed, the 29-year-old has been a vital cog in Everton’s pressing unit, where his excellent reading of the game helps him cut off opposition’s passing lanes by making a plethora of interceptions. Gueye has averaged 2.2 interceptions per game this season and just to put things into perspective – Lucas Digne has the second best record by averaging 1.6 per game.

Gueye has also averaged over 50 passes per game with an excellent pass accuracy of 85% this season, indicating his neat and tidy gameplay in the middle third of the pitch that makes him a key component in the Everton midfield.

This has clearly benefitted head coach Marco Silva, whose efficient style of play is heavily reliant on Gueye’s excessive work-rate and tenacity.

Speaking of which, only four players have attempted more tackles than the Senegalese international in the league this season, which is indicative of Gueye’s willingness to press the opposition – making him a tailor-made fit for Silva’s tactical setup.

Furthermore, Everton have struggled with their midfield resources in recent years, with  Morgan Schneiderlin failing to find a regular place in the starting lineup while James McCarthy is still sidelined with an injury.

The midfield partnership between Gueye and Andre Gomes has clicked in recent weeks and therefore, the departure of Gueye could once again unsettle the Everton midfield, ultimately dwindling their hopes of landing on a Europa League place come the end of the season.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored