Stats Prove This Veteran Is Everton’s Secret Weapon: Is Europe Still Possible?

Hill Dickinson Stadium witnessed Everton’s most commanding display of the season on Saturday as David Moyes’ side dismantled Chelsea 3-0, catapulting the Toffees back into the European conversation. While Beto’s brace and James Garner’s industry drew applause, the evening’s true orchestrator was 36-year-old Idrissa Gueye, whose understated mastery in midfield has reignited debate over whether Everton can still gate-crash the continental places.

Operating in the shadows of headline-grabbers, the Senegalese veteran delivered a performance that read like a textbook on defensive midfield play. Sofascore data underline his dominance: three tackles, five interceptions, seven ball recoveries, a perfect dribble success rate and an 82 per cent passing accuracy from 61 touches. Crucially, Gueye won every duel he contested over the full 90 minutes, a feat that stifled Chelsea’s rhythm and repeatedly launched Everton counters. It was his surge through midfield and slide-rule pass that teed up Beto for the 62-minute strike which squeezed past Robert Sánchez to make it 2-0 and effectively seal the contest.

The display continued a renaissance that began in January when Gueye skippered Senegal to a second AFCON crown—later controversially revoked—beating host Morocco 1-0 after extra time. He returned to Merseyside buoyant, and his partnership with Iliman Ndiaye has flourished; the pair celebrated the third goal against Chelsea by flashing a two-fingered salute followed by a single digit, a pointed reminder to CAF that Senegal still lay claim to two African titles.

Yet pragmatism lingers. Football Insider reported in November that Everton’s hierarchy had already pencilled plans to replace the ageing midfielder, whose contract winds down in June 2026. For all his present authority, Gueye occasionally cedes space when pressed relentlessly, and Moyes must weigh every minute carefully against a calendar that still features visits from Liverpool, Manchester City and Sunderland.

Saturday’s statement win keeps the European dream flickering, but the club’s blueprint cannot hinge solely on a player entering the twilight of his career. If managed judiciously, Gueye’s experience could yet propel Everton toward the precipice of qualification; over-extend him, and the gamble may unravel. The coming weeks will reveal whether the veteran’s renaissance is a springboard or a swansong.