After his €18 million summer transfer, it is safe to say that the Senegalese star has exploded into life as an Everton player, and his performances have certainly had an impact. After multiple tumultuous, relegation-threatened seasons, the Toffees needed a talismanic forward to really start grabbing the goals. Whilst Dyche-favourite Dwight McNeil has also stepped up his game this season, Ndiaye has been by far the standout player for the blue side of Merseyside.
Whilst his 2 goals in 8 games may not seem mind-blowing, Ndiaye’s performances are far more impressive than his stats suggest. Ndiaye was by far the standout performer when Everton held Newcastle to a 0-0 draw in early October. His close control is fantastic, and he has the eccentric flair that home fans will certainly fall in love with, hence why he has already stood out for Everton fans. To the rest of the league, Ndiaye's name may just ring a bell from his stint at Sheffield United, but he never graced the Premier League with the Blades. However, watching one Everton match will show you how important Ndiaye can be. He works hard off the ball, as you would expect under Sean Dyche, and causes countless problems going forward for opposition defenders with his quick feet, which is evident through his 20 shot-creating actions so far this season.
Whilst the less-than clinical Everton forwards have meant 0 assists for Ndiaye so far, these stats show he isn't exactly to blame for this.
As well as being exciting to watch, and a productive creator, Ndiaye has already established himself as a player who rises to big games and has made important contributions for the Toffees so far. Both of the forward’s goals have come in early relegation clashes against Leicester City and Ipswich Town respectively. Everton gained 4-points from the 6 available in both these games, Ndiaye’s goals and his tormenting of defences were integral to securing these points.
Iliman Ndiaye seems to be realising the potential that fans saw in his breakthrough Sheffield United season, in which he grabbed a staggering 27 goal contributions in 52 games, and if he delivers anything like those performances for Everton, he is sure to go down as one of 2024/25’s breakout stars.
