Jamie Carragher and Phil Neville praise Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye on Monday Night Football

By Patrick Surlis

Tuesday 13 September 2016 06:50, UK

Jamie Carragher and Phil Neville singled out the performance of Idrissa Gueye after Everton's 3-0 win at Sunderland on Monday Night Football.

The Senegal international, a summer signing from relegated Aston Villa, dominated the midfield at the Stadium of Light and ended the game with an assist as Romelu Lukaku scored a hat-trick.

Carragher admitted he was surprised by Gueye's attacking contribution, and said the midfielder represents a transfer window steal at £7m for Ronald Koeman.

"It wasn't until Lukaku's third goal that he was my man of the match," Carragher said on Monday Night Football.

"At two goals, Gueye was my man of the match because I thought he was outstanding. He has been Everton's best player in almost every game he has played.

"When I watched Aston Villa last season, he was always a player you looked at, and he came in for the first game for Everton against Spurs and was winning tackles and challenges against a team with a lot of possession.

"I think I have underestimated how good this lad is on the ball. His passing tonight was fantastic and I didn't know he had that in his game.

"Considering what I and maybe some others thought of him as a player to win challenges and tackles, he passes and wants the next ball [as well]. He's not thinking like a defensive midfielder that wants to get back and do his job.

"I think Everton have a real player, and considering the prices in football these days, I think £7m is a steal for Everton."

Former Everton defender Phil Neville agreed with his fellow Monday Night Football analyst, describing Gueye's performance as "sensational".

"I look at the price tag and you think someone at £7m is coming in to thicken up your squad and sit on the bench, but this boy is sensational," Neville said.

"I have been surprised, like Carra, because you think of him like a destroyer that sits in midfield, similar to N'Golo Kante at Leicester last season.

"But he's not because he has more to his game. I think they have found someone really special."

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