Koeman impressed with midfield duo
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has been waxing lyrical about the blossoming relationship in midfield of Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye.
The pair have formed a good team in midfield and after his match-winner last weekend Koeman even hailed Barry as one of the best players he has managed.
“It was a big comment because I have managed a lot of good players,” Koeman told evertontv. “Gareth is a player who is really intelligent on the pitch and knows what is happening in a game.
“He makes decisions and solutions if there are any problems on the pitch. Those type of players are what I like because they are the coach on the pitch. He can still improve his communication but normally he is a quiet player.
“He shows his commitment to the team. He’s a clever, important player who can give the best pass at the right moment. That’s important for the strikers.
“Of course, sometimes you need to give players of that age a little bit of a rest in the week in some exercises in training so that you get the best out of them at the weekend. It’s normal because it’s a different way to coach and manage players who are 35 from those who are 20.”
“They are a balance,” added the manager. “What you like to have in your midfield is different types of players.
“Idrissa is that player who runs, covers distance and Gareth is the first man in front of the defender when we are in ball possession. That’s a good tandem.”
Have you been impressed with Gana and Gareth?
Comment below or have your say on our dedicated Everton Forum at www.theevertonforum.co.uk/forum