MOTD pundit loses mind over Everton ace Ndiaye v Leicester after what Gary Lineker said
Ashley Williams raved about Iliman Ndiaye on Saturday night after the forward’s goalscoring display for Everton at Leicester City.
Ndiaye made a significant impact in the 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium as he gave the Toffees an early lead, before having to settle for a point after Stephy Mavididi’s second-half equaliser.
Former Everton defender Williams responded on BBC’s Match of the Day [21 September, 23:38] to host Gary Lineker’s question on whether he “enjoyed Ndiaye”.
“I did, I thought he was Everton’s best player [Saturday], especially in the first half,” the Welshman explained.
“It was a bright performance, he’s got really good balance and in a rigid team, he’s got a lot of creativity. He plays with a kind of freedom, which sometimes Sean Dyche’s players don’t do. It was a really good finish [for the goal], and great movement off the ball.
“He’s doing his defensive work, which is vital in a position like Everton are. He showed real desire to get forward – I was really impressed with him.”
Everton starting sluggishly but Iliman Ndiaye shines
Early signs have shown that while Everton are in the doldrums and will be quietly relieved just to earn their first point, Ndiaye has been one individual to impress.
Eager to get onside with Dyche and the fans, the Senegalese has sensed a key unprecedented opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League, having played the bulk of his games for Sheffield United in the Championship.
While a £15m player will not hold the back pages in this era of the transfer market, this deal could turn out to be the biggest of Ndiaye’s career as the 24-year-old is showing a level of self-belief which Goodison Park needs more of among its elder statesmen.
Having previously played with the likes of Boreham Wood and Hyde United in the lower ranks of the English pyramid, Ndiaye is an overseas player who thoroughly understands the nooks and crannies of the domestic game and that shines through in his play.
Once regular goals are added further into the mix, he could well be a more relied upon player this campaign than he will ever have realised.
In other Everton news, a Blues-supporting comedian mocks Dyche after this.
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