alEverton star Iliman Ndiaye has insisted his current impressive performances for club and country are due to nothing but hard work.
[WIW Sport](https://wiwsport.com/2025/11/14/iliman-ndiaye-le-bresil-voudra-prendre-sa-revanche-mais-on-va-se-donner-a-fond-pour-faire-un-bon-resultat/) cover comments from him this week as he gears up for a big international break with Senegal.
The winger has again been impressive for Everton this season. He was their key man last season after joining from Marseille in the summer.
He’s now been moved to a right-win role to accommodate Jack Grealish but has continued to be Everton’s star player regardless. That was certainly on display in the 1-1 draw with Sunderland.
He scored the opening goal in that game, going on a mazy, unstoppable run past several Sunderland player before finishing superbly beyond Robin Roefs. It was a potential goal of the season contender in what was a difficult game overall for Everton away from home.
It was also a demonstration of his confidence, but he insists it’s actually a result of the hard work that he’s been putting in off of the pitch.
“I think it’s just hard work (laughs),” he said.
“I work hard to improve every day, trying to be the best version of myself, both mentally and physically. I’m always trying to give my best on the pitch. I’m happy it’s working.”
He’s also started to establish himself as a key player for Senegal. That’s after something of a difficult start to life on the international stage.
The Everton star doesn’t see it that way, though. He actually thinks he had the best possible start to set him up for his current status.
“I think it’s thanks to the level of the players on the team, the way they welcomed me,” he added.
“They’ve always helped me. The more you play, the more experience you gain and the better you become. Especially when you have these kinds of players on the roster and the nation behind you.
“It’s true that I didn’t get off to a great start. Even though, for me, I’d say it was the best possible start. But now, I’m trying to give my best for the nation, so that we can achieve our goals.”