Everton ace Iliman Ndiaye has earned huge praise in recent days, but he could have an even bigger impact under David Moyes.
Everton lost 2-0 at Manchester City on Saturday afternoon as Erling Haaland found the net twice.
The Toffees caused problems but couldn’t find the net as Beto left fans frustrated with one particular miss.
Iliman Ndiaye played the ball across goal for Beto, but he could only toe-poke the ball wide with the goal at his mercy.
Ndiaye was a thorn in City’s side throughout and has arguably received more attention than match-winner Haaland in the aftermath of Saturday’s game.
Iliman Ndiaye looking on during Everton vs Aston Villa.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye could go to another level at Everton
The praise for Ndiaye in recent days has been enormous.
Moyes hailed Ndiaye after the defeat to City, while Pat Nevin is now backing Ndiaye for a huge transfer.
Anybody looking to sign Ndiaye in 2026 will need to come up with an enormous fee to even make Everton consider a deal.
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Everton won’t be thinking about an exit right now, though, and we may even see the Senegal star find another level in 2026.
Ndiaye has slotted in on the right side of Everton’s midfield this season, despite previously playing on the left or as a number 10.
We are seeing Ndiaye shine enough as it is, but there are moments where he becomes a little isolated on the right side.
Jake O’Brien has played at right-back under Moyes, but he is certainly a centre-back by trade.
O’Brien isn’t the kind of player to overlap and open space up for Ndiaye, and that is something we must see change in 2026.
Everton need to bring in another right-back to offer more dynamism behind Ndiaye and give him even more freedom to shine out wide.
This one move could unlock another level for Ndiaye, who has all the talent and potential to become one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attackers.
Everton exploring right-back signing ahead of January transfer window
David Moyes may well agree with this theory, having looked into signing a right-back over the summer.
Kenny Tete was a key Everton target over the summer, but he chose to stay at Fulham.
Tete would have fit the bill as a right-back who can get forward and create space for Ndiaye, while also being dependable defensively.
Tete is no longer a possibility for Everton, barring a surprise turn of events in January, but other targets are on the radar.
Everton have been linked with Mainz’s Anthony Caci, who racked up seven Bundesliga assists from right-back last season.
Caci is another player who may fit the bill for Everton in January, and Ndiaye could seriously benefit from a new signing arriving to play behind him.