Everton are on a decent little run in the Premier League, but Michael Ball has spotted a potential problem emerging in midfield.
The Toffees are five unbeaten in the top-flight, and are currently eighth in the Premier League table.
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Everton manager David Moyes on Europe.
They have the chance to go sixth tonight with a win over Bournemouth, and leapfrog rivals Liverpool in the process.
The likelihood is that David Moyes will make several changes given the quick turnaround from the Fulham game.
And it will be interesting to see if there will be any tweaks to the midfield, with James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye having started the last three together.
Former Everton defender Michael Ball hopes there will be.
Michael Ball thinks James Garner isn’t as effective playing with Idrissa Gana Gueye
James Garner playing for Everton.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Everton lost Gueye to AFCON and in his absence, Garner really stepped up.
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The ace mostly played with Tim Iroegbunam. And potentially, it may have been his best period of the season.
Moyes started playing Gueye again as soon as he came back from AFCON and for Michael Ball, the Senegalese’s presence has actually led to a drop in level for Garner.
He said in his Liverpool Echo: “He could, for instance, give Gueye a rest and use Merlin Rohl, who had a good game when he last played against Aston Villa.
“Alternatively he could use Tim Iroegbunam or, if he trusts Harrison Armstrong as I think he does, then trust him to start in his best position.
“I’m not sure James Garner is as influential when Gueye is alongside him, so that is something to consider.
Gueye needs rotating more for Everton
Plenty of Everton fans will agree with this suggestion from Ball, but whether Moyes starts turning to other options more remains to be seen.
But it’s something the manager should consider, because, as much as Gueye still has to offer, the star is not getting any younger.
Does Gueye need to be dropped? 🤔
Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Some have remarked recently that Gueye has looked a little jaded. Of course, he was heavily involved for Senegal at AFCON, so perhaps he could do with being rotated a bit more.
Merlin Rohl looked great against Aston Villa recently, and Iroegbunam also had some decent outings next to Garner while Gueye was away.
Garner is absolutely crucial for Everton at this point. Indeed, Jamie Carragher thinks Garner should be the first name on Everton’s team sheet. So if there is a better option to play next to him and help him thrive more, then Moyes needs to explore it.
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