OPINION
When Idrissa Gueye was relegated with Aston Villa during the summer of 2016 many would have opted against purchasing one of the club’s players.
The Midlands outfit secured only three wins during the season which resulted in them finishing bottom of the Premier League table.
Despite that, Everton made a bold move in adding the defensive-minded midfielder to their ranks in what turned out to be a brilliant decision by the club.
The 27-year-old is an underrated figure in the middle of the park for the Toffees because of the manner in which he breaks up play and protects the defence.
Added with that, his constant energy and, at times, ability to drive through the midfield has shown that the £7.5million Everton paid for him was even more of a bargain.
Ahead of next season, Gueye will be the most important player for manager Ronald Koeman because he would allow the Dutchman to find the right balance between attack and defence.
The Merseyside outfit have already signed goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Ajax captain Davy Klaassen to their ranks, with the summer transfer window due to officially open on July 1.
All of these names will help Everton edge closer to securing a Champions League place but it will be Gueye who will allow them all to flourish.
There is no doubt that he is, in terms of quality on the pitch, the closest resemblance to N’Golo Kante, who has won back to back Premier League titles.