MAGAYE GUEYE is to big himself up in a bid to break into Everton’s first team next season.
But it’s not self promotion the young French winger is talking about – Gueye is aiming to come back for pre-season bigger and stronger so he can cope with the physical demands of the English Premier League.
“It is the biggest difference,” he said. “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.”
Gueye, left, made only four starts last season, plus as many substitute appearances.
But he admits that he needed a campaign in order to acclimatise to a new country and a new style of football and now he feels more settled in his new surroundings.
“It was difficult at first,” he added. “When I first came here I was a little homesick. I did not know many people, did not understand the language and did not know my way around.
“But now my English has really improved. Sylvain Distin and Louis Saha have helped me a lot and practice with me. Also Seamus Coleman and Diniyar Bilyaletdinov live in the same building as me. My girlfriend also speaks very good English too and she helps me a lot.
“It has helped me settle. I like Liverpool and feel good here.
“The people are nice and I feel happy and confident living in the city.
“I have favourite restaurants, cafes and shops and feel good.”
Blues fans were treated to a few telling glimpses of Gueye’s talent towards the end of last season.
“My first game was against Aston Villa,” Gueye added. “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.”
