Everton were beaten at Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, but Iliman Ndiaye really caught the eye with a brilliant display.
Erling Haaland proved to be the match-winner as Everton fell to a 2-0 defeat at Manchester City.
The Norwegian scored twice in the second half to take Everton down, but you could argue that he wasn’t the most impressive player on the pitch.
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye produced a superb display and did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Manchester City fans were even dazzled by Ndiaye as the Senegal star caused no end of problems at the Etihad Stadium.
Iliman Ndiaye battles for the ball with Manchester City's Belgian midfielder #11 Jeremy Doku
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Pat Nevin praises Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye
Ndiaye should have picked up an assist in the first half, teeing up Beto from close range at 0-0.
Beto could only land a toe on the ball, though, and his effort skewed wide of the post.
Ndiaye was a constant thorn in City’s side, and he has been praised by pundit Pat Nevin.
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The former Everton winger told BBC Sport that Ndiaye ‘looked a cut above’ for the Toffees.
“Ndiaye has looked a cut above. When he runs at players, the speed of his feet is absolutely frightening,” said Nevin.
Nevin also told BBC Sport that he simply couldn’t take his eyes off Ndiaye, and wanted to see more of him on the ball because he was just so exciting.
“You can’t take your eyes off Ndiaye. He is one of those players, if you are not supporting either team, you are thinking – ‘can I see him on the ball again please?’
Everton may need to explore Iliman Ndiaye contract
Ndiaye joined Everton in 2024 after one disappointing season with boyhood club Marseille.
The 24-year-old made an instant impact with 11 goals in all competitions last season and is shining again this season.
No matter whether Ndiaye plays on the left, right, or even as a number 10, he is making a big impact.
Ndiaye is still contracted to Everton until 2029, but the Toffees may need to explore a new deal.
Other clubs will certainly have spotted Ndiaye’s quality display against City, and they may just eye him for a 2026 move.
Everton should look to explore a new deal now, improve Ndiaye’s terms and fend off any interest before it truly materialises.