Tim Iroegbunam's stats show Everton may not be a million miles away from Idrissa Gueye successor
Tim Iroegbunam has been unable to convince many since his £9million arrival at Everton, but that could be about to change.
The 22-year-old has only started half of the Toffees' matches so far, but with Idrissa Gueye joining Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite on the sidelines, he has finally been given another opportunity.
David Moyes' side have huge ambitions for European football this season, with a point against Crystal Palace on Sunday, 10 May, keeping them within touching distance of a top-seven finish.
Everton drew 2-2 with Palace at Selhurst Park, as James Tarkowski and Beto saw their goals cancelled out by Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta, but there were multiple positive signs in South London.
Tim Iroegbunam must have impressed David Moyes vs Crystal Palace
Iroegbunam was partnered with James Garner in the centre of the park, allowing the likes of Merlin Rohl, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye and Beto to flow freely in the final third.
It wasn't the prettiest of performances for the Toffees away from home. Still, the team came away with a precious point on the road, and Iroegbunam appeared to prove himself to the manager.
The 22-year-old started back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since the beginning of January, and he can take great pride in his display at Selhurst Park.
| Tim Iroegbunam vs Crystal Palace | Stats [FotMob] |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 79% (26/33) |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Touches | 50 |
| Successful dribbles | 50% (2/4) |
| Tackles | 3 |
| Recoveries | 4 |
| Ground duels won | 60% (6/10) |
| Aerial duels won | 83% (5/6) |
Iroegbunam was a warrior in midfield, even completing three tackles and four recoveries, doing all of the dirty work against the Eagles. He could quickly become Gueye's long-term replacement.
Idrissa Gueye's contract situation at Hill Dickinson
At 36 years of age, some may believe that the club have become overreliant on Gueye, and it will be key for the Toffees to soon find a long-term replacement for the Senegalese international.
In November, Football Insider revealed that Everton have no plans to extend Gueye's contract beyond the 2025-26 campaign, but now, there are rumours that he could have another year on Merseyside.
His current deal is set to expire this summer. Right now, the manager has said very little about the situation, but that is to be expected with two matches of the season remaining.
It is painfully obvious that Everton are a much better team when Gueye is part of the lineup, though, so Iroegbunam desperately needs to improve if he is to be a long-term successor in midfield.