David Moyes seems to have got it wrong with Idrissa Gana Gueye, as Everton chiefs appeared to predict.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has been a mainstay under David Moyes as he’s started all nine games so far this season.
Gueye is the first name on the teamsheet, and despite turning 36 last month, he is very rarely substituted.
Everton fans reckon Gueye has been showing signs of decline this season and think Merlin Rohl should replace him.
With that said, it proves Everton chiefs were right over the contract issues in the summer.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Everton chiefs were right to be concerned about offering Idrissa Gana Gueye a two-year deal
Gueye was actually out of contract in the summer and became a free agent for a short period before penning a two-year deal.
There was a big hold-up in negotiations over the contract, as Everton weren’t convinced about offering Gueye two years, but Moyes disagreed.
Speaking exclusively to Everton News at the time, journalist Graeme Bailey revealed: “David Moyes pushed hard for Gueye to stay and he really wanted to, but the question was over length of deal.
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“Everton were unsure about the two-year contract that the player wanted, but Moyes went into bat for the player and convinced the club’s hierarchy it was right for them, as he still has a lot to offer.”
In hindsight, club chiefs were right to have concerns, but now they have a 36-year-old under contract until 2027.
The Senegal international has been a terrific player for the club, but it does feel as though he’s starting to slow down and potentially blocking younger players from opportunities.
David Moyes should drop Idrissa Gana Gueye for Merlin Rohl
It may be a little ruthless, but Moyes should seriously consider dropping Gueye to the bench against Sunderland and starting Merlin Rohl instead.
Something clearly needs to change, as Everton have won just one of their last seven games, so it’s time for something fresh.
Rohl would bring a bit more control on the ball, and he could form a really strong partnership with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – if he were to drop deeper.
The Toffees are going to have to plan for life without Gueye anyway, as he jets off for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
Rohl is impressing everyone in the few cameos he’s been afforded, so the German has more than earned his opportunity to start from the first whistle.