Pienaar On Why Gana Is 'Vital' To Everton

Steven Pienaar has spoken of how “vital” Idrissa Gana Gueye is to Everton, with the South African former Blues winger pleased to see Everton’s first-team squad continuing to enjoy an African flavour.

Gana will head to Russia to represent Senegal off the back of another impressive campaign at Goodison Park. The midfielder’s 117 tackles in 34 Premier League appearances was the second highest in the Premier League, with Wilfried Ndidi edging him to top spot with 138. Gana also chipped in with 62 interceptions and 1,566 passes – the most of any Everton player.

Pienaar, a former captain of the South Africa national team, was part of an African core while at the Blues, which included the likes of…