Iliman Ndiaye has mainly played out wide for Everton since joining the club in the summer of 2024, but for Senegal, he was positioned a little differently.
Ndiaye has become a key figure for the Toffees, but speculation about his future before this season was rife. The winger admitted he wanted to stay at Everton despite interest from Inter Milan.
The Senegalese forward is currently away on international duty as the African nation looks to seal their place in the World Cup.
The Lions of Teranga have positioned themselves well. They are two points clear at the top of their group after their 5-0 win against South Sudan with one game left to play.
Iliman Ndiaye was in action for his nation in that win, and interestingly, he was deployed in a new position.
When Senegal faced South Sudan away from home on Friday afternoon, their starting lineup no doubt piqued interest from Merseyside.
Iliman Ndiaye, who typically plays out wide, was selected in the number 10 role for his nation.
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It is a position that he is familiar with, but still one that he rarely features in.
Senegalese outlet Seneweb provided their player ratings for the match and gave Ndiaye a 7/10, saying, “Positioned as a playmaker, Iliman Ndiaye led the Lions’ attack. He stood out as early as the 26th minute by providing an assist to Ismaïla Sarr with a superb cross.
“His technique and mobility caused problems for the Sudanese defence. In the 39th minute, he came close to scoring from a precise cross by Krépin Diatta. In the second half, he kept up his momentum, multiplying clever attacking moves.”
Iliman Ndiaye (L) and Sudan's defender #12 Bakhi Khames fight for the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B African qualification football match between Senegal and Sudan
Photo by SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images
The player’s form will be a major boost for David Moyes for when domestic football returns.
Now, the Everton manager also has another option he could use in attack, thanks to Senegal’s team selection.
Iliman Ndiaye has given David Moyes another weapon
Ndiaye’s impressive performance as a number 10 has given Moyes a different option to use in attack.
The Senegal international could at points be used at the centre of the Toffees’ forward line, linking the play between the wide players and the striker.
Iliman Ndiaye provided two assists as Senegal picked up a 5-0 World Cup qualifying win away at South Sudan! 🇸🇳👏
He came off in the 72nd minute, as did Idrissa Gana Gueye. pic.twitter.com/XPpOJ4N8Jl
— Everton (@Everton) October 10, 2025
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At some point, we could see Everton line up with Jack Grealish on the left, Tyler Dibling on the right, and Ndiaye centrally, behind Beto or Thierno Barry.
There are plenty of exciting attacking players at the club, and it is a great time to support the Blues.