Do Everton face challenge to keep hold of tough tackling Idrissa Gueye this year?

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Everton may face some difficulty keeping hold of Idrissa Gueye this year, after a solid start by the midfielder.

The Senegal international is now into his third season with the Toffees, following a £7.1 million move from relegated Aston Villa in 2016.

Since his move to Merseyside, Gueye has been quietly impressive.

Everton supporters adore him for his contributions in the engine room, but he appears not to have reached acclaim in the eyes of neutrals yet for some reason.

Gueye was outstanding at the weekend against Fulham, showing himself yet again to be a highly effective ball winner.

His tenacity was fantastic, and very reminiscent of one of the Premier League’s more well-known stars.

Gueye is just like N’Golo Kante

It’s been noted before, but Gueye is definitely cut from the same cloth as Chelsea’s World Cup winner N’Golo Kante.

World football recognises Kante as one of the most willing and tenacious midfielders. But Gueye is not so different.

Perhaps he is not quite as nippy as Kante, but he is certainly as industrious and arguably firmer in the tackle.

If he continues to dominate midfield battles the way he is doing, then Everton might struggle to keep hold of Gueye.

According to Sky Sports statistician Matt Cheetham, the dynamo has made 19 tackles in his last two games. Incredibly, that is more than 97% of all Premier League players have made all season.

Football has evolved, and teams covet players like Kante and Gueye now.

They don’t do glamorous things on the pitch, but are absolutely pivotal in their respective roles.

Gueye is valued at £18 million by Transfermarkt, but Everton may have to brace themselves for offers of double that figure in future windows.