Koeman considers Toffees Gueye cover

Idrissa Gueye has made such a big impact at Goodison Park that Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits he may need reinforcements if the Senegal international departs for the African Cup of Nations in January.

Likened to N’Golo Kante, Gueye has played a leading role in the Toffees’ strong start to the season, slotting seamlessly into the midfield after a summer move from Lille.

However, Everton could be without the 26-year-old for three weeks in January during the African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Koeman admits it would be a blow after he has been a revelation since joining.

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“If I get some midfielders back from injury then of course we can deal with it,” Koeman said.

“If not, we need to sign another midfield player. But that is an issue for January.

“To know a player properly you have to work with them every day and I’m very happy with how he is acting and playing, not only without the ball but with the ball too,” Koeman said.

“It is not a surprise to us how well he is doing because he was always on our list for that position but maybe it is a surprise to the other clubs who saw Aston Villa get relegated last season and did not have him on their radar.

“He can have the same impact as N’Golo Kante because he plays in the same important position in the team and he is an important player in how we like to press, on second balls and in the energy he shows that gives a reaction to the other players.”