‘Lionel Messi would be proud of Everton star who’s outshining Jack Grealish at Hill Dickinson’
Jack Grealish and Iliman Ndiaye have been the standout stars for Everton under David Moyes this season.
Grealish has received all the plaudits after excelling on his loan move from Man City.
Grealish was the Premier League’s Player of the Month in August, having registered four assists in his opening two matches for the Toffees.
However, Ndiaye has shown this season that he is Everton‘s talisman who can single-handedly earn them points in tough matches.
The Senegal international has gone from strength to strength, and Ian Darke believes that Lionel Messi would have been proud of Ndiaye’s goal versus Sunderland on 3 November.
Ian Darke likens Iliman Ndiaye to Lionel Messi
Ndiaye joined Everton from Marseille for a fee of £16.9million in July 2024 and has been a revelation for the Toffees.
In the 15th minute of Everton’s 1-1 draw against Sunderland, Ndiaye took the ball past four defenders before curling a brilliant strike into the top-left corner.
Speaking on ESPN, Darke likened the strike against Sunderland to something out of Lionel Messi’s catalogue of fantastic goals.
He said: “Iliman Ndiaye’s goal at Sunderland last Monday was, for me, the best anyone has scored in England this season.
“Lionel Messi would have been proud of his marvellous dribbling at speed, going past the entire Sunderland defence on a 40-yard run before planting his shot into the corner.
“Jack Grealish has claimed the headlines for the Toffees so far, but Ndiaye might be even more valuable to them.”
Grealish‘s influence on the team wouldn’t be anywhere near as successful if it weren’t for Ndiaye.
Despite playing on opposing sides of the pitch, they form a deadly duo that is capable of hurting any defence.
With Everton just three points off 5th place, there is real hope that the Toffees could record a top-half finish for the first time since 2020-2021.
Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish have developed a perfect partnership
With four goals in 11 Premier League games, Ndiaye looks on course for the best goalscoring season of his career.
The service he has received from Grealish and new signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has brought the best out of the Senegalese star.
His clinical nature in front of goal is crucial for Everton’s success, and fans will be hoping that their three stars can stay fit throughout the season.
With optimism brewing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, can Everton mount a European push this season?
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