Keown blown away by ‘Outstanding’ Ndiaye footage for Everton v Southampton
Iliman Ndiaye has been one of Everton’s standout players this season.
The 25-year-old has notched nine goals in 32 Premier League matches since signing for the Blues from Marseille last summer.
The atmosphere at Goodison Park was electric as the Toffees said farewell to the famous old ground and Ndiaye’s exploits only increased the feel-good factor for David Moyes’ side on an emotional afternoon.
Ndiaye leaves Keown stunned with Everton exploits
Ndiaye will go down in the history books as the last ever goalscorer for the Men’s team at Goodison after a fantastic showing against the relegated outfit.
He notched two goals to down the Saints and ensure that it was a positive afternoon for the blue half of Merseyside.
The Senegal international doubled his tally as he nudged the ball past Aaron Ramsdale and slotted into the empty net just before the half-time break, and Keown was left in awe.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2 (18 May, 23:33), he said: “Look at the way, he just opens his body up, affects the defender, he wants that ball in there behind, it didn’t come initially.
“Gets a little bit lucky, I think Ramsdale should do better with that one, and he tucks it away.
“He has been outstanding under the new manager.”
Everton need more from Ndiaye
The Toffees have lacked quality going forward for most of the campaign, with Ndiaye providing brief moments of respite throughout the campaign while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto have struggled.
Nine goals is a solid return for his first season back in English football, but he can definitely put up better numbers than that with a stronger team around him.
| Stats (Premier League) | Ndiaye |
| Matches | 32 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Minutes played | 2,364 |
Leon Osman has highlighted a lack of consistency from the ex-Sheffield United ace, but once the Blues bring in more top attackers, that should improve by a considerable margin.
Moyes is set to be backed by the Friedkin Group this summer and if he can find the right players than he can get the best out of the Senegalese star in the future.
His display against the Saints was very encouraging and shows the potential that he has. If the Toffees can unlock that on a more regular basis, they can definitely benefit massively.
If the Scotsman does that, ahead of the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, it will be a dangerous prospect for their rivals, as they will have a real player on their hands.