Walsh hails Gueye as Everton’s Kante

Few can replicate the impressive debut season N’Golo Kante had at Leicester City, but Everton’s director of football Steve Walsh believes Idrissa Gueye has all the attributes of the French midfielder.

Walsh recommended the Senegalese midfielder to manager Ronald Koeman, with the Toffees going on to sign Gueye from relegated Aston Villa after a strong introduction to the Premier League.

And his performances have hardly looked like dropping off for the Toffees, already holding an influence despite just playing a handful of games to date.

But Walsh is keen not to put too much pressure on his new 27-year-old star – despite holding comparisons to a man who was named in last season’s Team of the Year.

Gueye and Kante battling for possession last season. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

“I told the manager to have a look at this lad because I think he can do all the things we want him to do,” he said.

“We earmarked the fact that we were looking for a bit more energy from that part of the field. He moves the ball quickly and runs with the ball. He is good at pressing and good at intercepting.

“Don’t put too much on his shoulders but he is a little bit like Kante. You’ll see that when he presses. He just needs now to show a little bit more discipline and he’ll be a really good player for us.