Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas on the loss of Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gueye as Blues figureheads and a new issue that now faces David Moyes
With Idrissa Gueye having followed Seamus Coleman out the picture, Everton boss David Moyes has a new challenge
With Idrissa Gueye having followed Seamus Coleman out the picture, Everton boss David Moyes has a new challenge
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David Moyes’ pre-season will take on an additional challenge following the departure of Idrissa Gueye - the need to fill a new leadership vacuum.
The exits of club captain Seamus Coleman and veteran midfielder Gueye will deprive the manager of two of his most influential dressing room characters. While other key figures like James Tarkowski and Jordan Pickford remain, he will be seeking the emergence of new voices to help maintain high standards on and off the pitch.
Everton have long been braced for this scenario. Club captain Coleman made his intention to leave clear before the end of last season, signing off at Tottenham Hotspur after a 17-year, 435-game stint on Merseyside.
Moyes acknowledged the difficulty he would face replacing his impact when he made clear his admiration for the Republic of Ireland international ahead of his final games, stating: “I know it’s going to be incredibly difficult to replace the characteristics Seamus brings to this club. His influence behind the scenes is hard to measure and explain. He’s hugely respected by everyone, and we will miss his presence, on and off the pitch.”
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Although talks over a potential new deal for Gueye have only ceased in recent days, there was an understanding that he too was likely to leave when he left for the World Cup with his future unresolved. His deal expired during Senegal’s run to the knockout stages of the tournament and the 36-year-old is set to sign elsewhere, with a move to Saudi Arabia thought to be close.
Confirmation of his departure after 236 appearances across two stints was also met with Moyes conceding that Finch Farm would feel his loss. He said on Friday: “His leadership qualities in and around the dressing room proved crucial, particularly in our final season at Goodison. His commitment to the club over many years was exceptional.”
The loss of Coleman and Gueye follows a drain of leadership and experience last season, when the influential Ashley Young and Asmir Begovic were among those to leave. While few would contest it was time for them to leave from a playing perspective, they too were difficult voices to replace.
Moyes can still count on Tarkowski, who has captained the side across recent years when Coleman has been unavailable, and Pickford, while he also trusts the experienced Michael Keane.
The emergence of new voices will be crucial for Everton, though, particularly following the end of last season, when a finish of six winless games saw the players struggle to react to the adversity of injuries, poor decisions and goals in several high-profile games as their quest for Europe collapsed. One figure who could take on greater responsibility is James Garner, who emerged as a standout player last season. His relationship with Moyes was central to his decision to commit his future to the club and he held captaincy roles through his development in the Manchester United and England youth set-ups.
Moyes will, however, be deprived of his presence through pre-season as he recovers from an operation on a groin injury - providing a need for others to step up over the coming weeks.