The Senegal international has impressed without being hugely productive for the Blues so far this season
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Rufus Allirajah Lane
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Iliman Ndiaye and Sean Dyche
Iliman Ndiaye and Sean Dyche (Image: (Joe Toth - Everton FC))
Iliman Ndiaye has been Everton’s bright spark in what has been a largely meagre campaign for the Toffees as they enter the festive period. The forward’s ability to beat players with ease and make things happen out of nothing has been a joy to watch for Evertonians.
Simply, Everton have been at their best this season when Ndiaye has been at his best. Despite this, the 24-year-old has only managed to find the back of the net twice in the Premier League and has provided zero assists. It is imperative therefore that Sean Dyche is able to find a way to maximise Ndiaye's ability.
The Everton manager has previously shut down the prospect of playing the Senegalese international in the ‘number 10’ role, saying in a press conference that there was “no evidence” that Ndiaye could play that role. Although it’s possible Dyche was referring to the ‘number 10’ role specifically in the Premier League; Ndiaye’s previous stint in England suggests he is more than comfortable playing in that role.
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Ndiaye’s time at Sheffield United, in fact, could act as inspiration for the Blues boss to get the most out of the talented attacker. The former Blades man has been utilised almost exclusively on the left of the midfield during his time on Merseyside, while his role in the Steel City was much more dynamic.
Paul Heckingbottom, the Sheffield United manager at the time, would often utilise Ndiaye as a second striker (in a 3-5-2 formation) alongside the more physically dominant number nine, Oli McBurnie. Alternatively, Ndiaye was positioned behind two strikers in the ‘10’ role.
Heckingbottom granted Ndiaye the freedom to collect the ball deep and orchestrate Sheffield United while in possession. Similar to his time at Everton, the skilful forward became known for his mazy runs that would breeze past two or three opposition players at a time.
Dwight McNeil has occupied the space behind the striker for the majority of the season to mixed success but in the 4-0 win against Wolves, Dyche opted to move the Englishman back to his natural position on the left and shift Abdoulaye Doucoure back to the role he occupied for much of last season. Dyche may feel Ndiaye doesn’t obtain the defensive nous to play along the spine of the Everton team but, again, his time at Sheffield United goes against that belief.
Ndiaye’s lack of complacency or reliance on his ball-carrying abilities is what made him adored by Blades fans. The forward’s tenacity off the ball to defend proved crucial to his team, as well as this, Ndiaye’s intelligent movements off the ball would often open up space for his teammates to exploit.
The £15million signing spoke about this side of his game when he joined the Toffees this summer, saying: “I love running, chasing the ball, getting the team high up the pitch. As a striker, you’re the first defender. I love doing that bit.”
In the 22/23 Championship season, Ndiaye was one of the best-performing attacking players in terms of defensive duels. The forward averaged 6.05 defensive duels per 90 with a win rate of 64.42%.
Sheffield United’s promotion season was a standout for Ndiaye as he racked up 14 goals and nine assists, and earned himself a move to his boyhood club Marseille. Ndiaye’s time in Sheffield should give enough ‘evidence’ that he is more than capable of playing in the ‘10’ role with there also being enough to suggest that Dyche’s defensive requirements will be met by the player.
Paul Heckingbottom’s Sheffield United is not Sean Dyche’s Everton and the freedom Ndiaye had in the Championship will not be afforded to him in the Premier League but Dyche shouldn't shy away from allowing Everton’s star player to express himself in attack if he wants to get the best out of him.