Iliman Ndiaye ‘quality’ as Everton star wows with what he did v Leicester City
Everton attacker Iliman Nidaye has left Sue Smith in awe with a “brilliant” run and finish in the first half of the Toffees’ clash with Leicester City.
Sean Dyche’s side took a 1-0 lead into the halftime break at the King Power Stadium on Saturday (21 September) thanks to a right-footed finish from Ndiaye early in the first half.
Although the 24-year-old’s finish stole the majority of the plaudits from supporters and pundits, Sky Sports pundit Smith was quick to heap praise on the forward’s “quality” run in the build-up.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (21 September, 15:11) she said: “It’s a goal for Everton, it’s Nidaye with the goal.
“It’s a really good goal. Everton have started the better of the two sides.
“They had a brilliant opportunity just before this and Lindstrom should have done better, but this is all about Nidaye and the quality that he showed on that left-hand side.
“Ashley Young picks the ball up and plays it into Ndiaye. He actually starts the move off, plays the ball to Young and continues his run centrally.
“It’s poor defending from Leicester, but he just cuts inside onto his right foot and then it’s a brilliant finish from him.”
How much did Everton pay for Iliman Ndiaye transfer?
It may not have been the perfect start to the season for the Toffees, but Nidaye has been one of the few shining lights at Goodison Park following his summer transfer from Marseille earlier this year.
Dyche needed to add more goals to his side this season given the Blues’ reliance on Dominic Calvert-Lewin. In Ndiaye, he has found a forward who can play next to the England international and be just as effective.
His goal at the King Power showed the exact qualities he has. The 24-year-old’s close control in the build-up was exceptional and his finish at the end of it showed immense composure.
Hopefully, the Toffees will be able to build on their impressive start against the Foxes.
While it is too early in the season for this game to be considered a six-pointer, a win against a relegation rival would be a huge step for the Blues.
In other Everton news, Newcastle are understood to be readying a new bid for Calvert-Lewin after developments at Goodison Park
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