Everton hero Steven Pienaar has hailed the impact of Idrissa Gana Gueye this season.

Gana will head to Russia to represent Senegal off the back of another impressive campaign at Goodison Park.

“I think Joseph (Yobo) was here for a long time at the Club and is the longest-serving African player," Pienaar told evertonfc.com. "I am happy with that connection with the Club and African players, it is great for the Club and continent.

“It's great to see Idrissa and the likes of Oumar Niasse carrying that on and doing well.

“Idrissa is important to the team. If you look around at other clubs, they have one of those players like him. Chelsea have N'Golo Kante. Tottenham have Moussa Dembele, Eric Dier or Victor Wanyama, and City have Fernandinho who can all play that position.

“They are all important players that a lot of people don't see the work they do. For me, Idrissa is vital because he does the dirty work but is also good on the ball. You need a link between attack and defence and he is that guy."