Post by evertontillidie on Jun 15, 2011 15:07:11 GMT
MAGAYE GUEYE says the physicality of English football was the biggest test of his debut season at Everton.
The French under-21 midfielder, signed from Strasbourg last summer, broke into the Toffees’ first-team towards the end of the season, making eight appearances for David Moyes’ men.
And though the 20-year-old acquitted himself well in those outings, he says he has found it difficult to adapt to the demands of Premier League combat.
“My first game was against Aston Villa,” Gueye said. “I think I did quite well for the 20 minutes I was on the pitch and we got a draw.
“After that I played at Wolverhampton and in that game I was so tired. I wasn’t sure why but I had very little energy. I had a chance to score but it didn’t happen. Hopefully I will score my first goal soon. My last game was against Blackburn and I had some good moments in that game too. I thought I played better.”
He added: “It is the biggest difference. Here you have to be strong and ready to fight for every ball. In France it is not like that. I have had to get stronger and I am ready now.”
The French under-21 midfielder, signed from Strasbourg last summer, broke into the Toffees’ first-team towards the end of the season, making eight appearances for David Moyes’ men.
And though the 20-year-old acquitted himself well in those outings, he says he has found it difficult to adapt to the demands of Premier League combat.
“My first game was against Aston Villa,” Gueye said. “I think I did quite well for the 20 minutes I was on the pitch and we got a draw.
“After that I played at Wolverhampton and in that game I was so tired. I wasn’t sure why but I had very little energy. I had a chance to score but it didn’t happen. Hopefully I will score my first goal soon. My last game was against Blackburn and I had some good moments in that game too. I thought I played better.”
He added: “It is the biggest difference. Here you have to be strong and ready to fight for every ball. In France it is not like that. I have had to get stronger and I am ready now.”