Big changes are on the horizon at Everton, with the Friedkin Group completing their takeover of the club today.
The Farhad Moshiri reign is over, and fans are now looking to the future under the American owners.
It has felt like an eternity since the Friedkin Group actually started their process of becoming the new owners.
But the highly reputable Fabrizio Romano reported last night that the takeover of Everton by the Friedkin Group is ‘signed, approved and set to be announced as expected’, putting to bed any lingering worries.
It’s likely we are going to see a lot of transfer business at the club in 2025.
One man who won’t be going anywhere is Iliman Ndiaye – but Phil Jagielka reckons his position in the team may change.
Jagielka tips Iliman Ndiaye to become Everton’s number 10
Iliman Ndiaye of Everton during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Everton FC at Old Trafford on December 01, 2024 in Manche...
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye joined Everton in the summer from Marseille, for a fee in the region of £15 million.
The Senegal international has 17 appearances for the club so far, for a total of 1337 minutes.
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Ndiaye has only scored three goals up to now, and hasn’t yet provided any assists. But the youngster has been lively, and made an impression at Goodison Park.
Everton were thrashed at Old Trafford recently, but Manchester United fans single out Ndiaye for praise for his display.
Ndiaye was also really good against Brentford last month, putting most of his teammates to shame.
Largely, Ndiaye has operated out wide. But in the eyes of former defender Jagielka, he has the capacity to play centrally as a number 10 eventually.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “Possibly long term he’d get into that No.10 position but I think you’ve got to look at the way Sean sets his team out and I think for Ili’s own sake, it’s potentially a little bit easier to come in off the wing, with a few less bodies around.
“Sean has played Dwight McNeil in there, with his little bit more quality, and he’s gone back to Doucoure, who works his socks off and gets goals as well, so there’s different options there, between all three of them.
“But I definitely see Iliman eventually playing as an attacking midfielder, as a No.10, but I think he’ll enjoy playing in off the left purely because the responsibilities aren’t quite as high as if you’re playing in the middle of the pitch.”
Ndiaye can play as a 10
Everton fans have already called for Ndiaye to play as a number 10 this season, having seen old footage of him operating behind the striker at Sheffield United.
Sean Dyche said earlier in the season that Ndiaye had been ‘doing a very good job’ out wide, and he has continued to play him on the left side.
Iliman Ndiaye for Everton so far this season
Appearances – 17
Minutes played – 1337
Goals – 3
Assists – 0
It seems Dyche is reluctant to get him inside, so perhaps Jagielka’s prediction will only ring true if there is a change of manager.
It’s interesting to hear Jagielka say the responsibilities are higher playing as a 10 than out wide. Perhaps that is why Dyche has been reluctant to use Ndiaye inside.
But it can also be argued that there’s more chance to be unpredictable as a number 10 which could suit Ndiaye.
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