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Ronald Koeman believes Idrissa Gueye can become the best defensive midfielder in the Premier League after hailing his “perfect” contribution this weekend.

Gueye produced another excellent display in helping Everton move into second place with a 3-1 defeat of Middlesbrough on Saturday evening.

It further highlighted the huge impact the Senegal international has made since being snapped up from Aston Villa for £7.1million in the summer.

The 26-year-old has already caught the eye as an ideal foil for Gareth Barry with his energy and ability to protect a defence that has conceded only three times in six games this season.

But Blues boss Koeman believes Saturday underlined there is much more to Gueye’s game.

“He was outstanding,” said the Dutchman. “He was perfect in every aspect of football.

“Of course he wins a lot of second balls, he wins a lot of tackles, but the boy showed his composure in midfield.

“He played the ball left, right, always tried to play the ball forward. It’s a fantastic signing for the club and I hope we keep him for a long time.

“In my opinion, in that position in the team he will become maybe the best in the Premier League.”

Gueye’s central midfield partner Barry marked the 600th Premier League appearance of his career with a goal as the Blues came from behind to ensure their best start to a season since 1978-79.

The former England international has proven a huge success after moving on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2013.

And Koeman – who last month called Barry one of the best players he has ever managed – believes the 35-year-old still has a few years left in the tank at the highest level.

“It’s always important to have a balance in your squad – young players, experienced players and we know from Gareth, football-wise, he is one of the cleverest players on the pitch,” said the Blues boss.

“You need that. If the team is compact, if you don’t need to run a lot of distance between the lines, and maybe he can play two more years after this season.

“That’s no problem, but we need to support him and he can’t do all the training sessions that the rest will do but we need to keep the boy fit for the team.”

Everton’s impressive start has prompted some observers to tip them as possible title contenders.

But while Koeman is keen to play down such suggestions, he is happy to embrace the challenge of meeting heightened expectations from supporters.

“You like to have raised expectations from everybody because that means we are doing well,” said the Blues boss.

“Everyone knows we have only played five games. But we know have something here and we have improved a lot.

“I think the team is working hard. All the players are working hard. I think the difference is the pressing starts from the front, the defending starts from the front. That’s what we like to change, that the team is more compact.

“The team will keep more clean sheets even though we keep our more offensive qualities. And that’s good. The boys see what we have changed and they like it and the belief is that we are really strong.

“If the expectations are higher that’s good. We try to give people expectations because that’s nice to do.”