As the clock ticks down to tonight’s highly anticipated Merseyside derby on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Everton’s midfield dynamo Idrissa Gueye has delivered a powerful rallying cry to the Toffees’ supporters. With the short trip across Stanley Park to face arch-rivals Liverpool looming, Gueye’s words are set to ignite the blue half of Merseyside as Everton aim to upset the Premier League leaders at Anfield.
The 35-year-old Senegalese international, a cornerstone of Everton’s resurgence under manager David Moyes, took to social media earlier today to send a blistering message to the Goodison Park faithful. Known for his tireless work rate and unrelenting spirit on the pitch, Gueye’s statement reflects the passion and determination that have made him a fan favorite during his two stints with the club.
“Tonight, we go to Anfield as one—players, staff, and you, the best supporters in the world,” Gueye wrote. “This is more than a game; it’s our fight, our pride, our city. We’ll give everything for the badge, and we need you to bring the fire with us. Together, we can do this. COYB!”
The message comes at a pivotal moment for Everton, who have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround since Moyes’ return to the dugout in January. After a turbulent start to the 2024-25 season that saw them hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone, the Toffees have surged to a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, sitting comfortably 17 points clear of the drop with a renewed sense of purpose. Gueye has been instrumental in this revival, his defensive tenacity and leadership providing the backbone for a team now daring to dream of bigger things.
Tonight’s clash marks the 246th Merseyside derby, and while it won’t be the final one at Goodison Park—that honor went to the dramatic 2-2 draw on February 12— it carries immense weight. Liverpool, currently atop the Premier League table, are chasing a 20th top-flight title, and a victory would extend their lead to nine points over second-placed Arsenal. For Everton, however, this is an opportunity to derail their rivals’ title charge and etch another memorable chapter in this storied rivalry.
Gueye’s connection to Everton runs deep. Having first joined the club in 2016 from Aston Villa, he quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s premier ball-winners, leading Europe’s top five leagues in tackles and interceptions during his debut season. After a three-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain, where he reached the 2020 Champions League final, he returned to Merseyside in 2022, driven by an enduring love for the club. “Everton is my home,” he said in a recent interview. “The supporters, the passion—it’s in my blood.”
That passion was on full display in the last derby at Goodison, where Gueye’s relentless midfield performance helped Everton secure a last-gasp equalizer through James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute volley. The scenes of jubilation that followed underscored the unique bond between the players and the fans—a bond Gueye is now calling upon once more.
With Everton’s injury list shortening and Moyes instilling a renewed sense of belief, the Toffees head to Anfield with momentum on their side. Gueye’s form has been particularly notable; no player in the 2024-25 Premier League season has made more tackles or challenged more dribblers, a testament to his enduring quality at 35. His manager has been effusive in his praise, noting recently, “He plays younger than he is. He’s been terrific for us.”
For Evertonians, Gueye’s message is a call to arms. The away end at Anfield will be a sea of blue, roaring their team on in a fixture that transcends points and standings. While Liverpool remain favorites, Everton’s recent form—coupled with Gueye’s fiery leadership—suggests they won’t go down without a fight. As the midfielder himself put it, “We’re not just there to play; we’re there to battle.”
Kickoff is set for 8:00 PM WAT, and with Gueye’s words ringing in their ears, Everton supporters will be ready to bring the noise. Whether it’s enough to topple the Reds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Idrissa Gueye and his teammates are prepared to leave it all on the pitch in the name of Everton Football Club.
