Everton Is A Big Team With Big Players. We Have To Do Our Best, To Aim High

New Blue Idrissa Gana Gueye maps out his path to Goodison, charting his upbringing in Senegal, title success in Lille and a season of hard-knocks at Aston Villa.

When official confirmation of Idrissa Gana Gueye’s transfer to Everton was issued at the start of this month, Ronald Koeman delivered a strong statement behind his reasons for bringing on board the Senegal international.

“He was one of the players of last season,” declared the manager, satisfied in his recruitment of a midfielder who silently and effectively went about his business for Aston Villa last season.

Yes, the Villans’ struggles were well documented and evidently clear but scratch beneath the surface of their troubled 2015/16 campaign and there was the story of Gueye, the 5ft 8ins anchorman who outperformed all but one of his equivalents in England’s elite division.

The 26-year-old was second only to Premier League winner N’Golo Kante in terms of the number of interceptions and tackles made across Europe’s top five leagues - two core and essential qualities for a ground-covering, deeplying midfielder of his type.

He introduces himself: “I am a good defensive midfielder and I like making passes, tackles and getting forward.”

Gueye’s inspiration on his route to Goodison Park is an established worldclass international footballer of similar statute and style.

“Lassana Diarra is my reference. He has spirit to fight,” says Gueye, crashing his right fist into the palm of his left hand.

“I followed this player because he was a good midfield-defender. He played for Chelsea and Real Madrid. He takes the ball and gives the ball. I try to be like him.”

Gueye is being interviewed in the immediate minutes after inking his fouryear contract at Goodison Park. He has posed for promotional photos and is happy to sit and chat about his move from the midlands.