Iliman Ndiaye has probably cemented himself as Everton’s best player this season.
After a brilliant debut season following his £15m transfer from Marseille, netting 10 Premier League goals, Iliman Ndiaye has actually gone to the next level this year.
Ruben Amorim hailed Ndiaye ahead of Monday’s game, and it seems like opposition managers are starting to recognise him as the real dangerman.
Idrissa Gana Gueye on Iliman Ndiaye
“I told him when he first arrived here that he can be the next African Ballon d’Or winner.”
Tony Bellew is actually really worried that Ndiaye could leave in January, but the Friedkin Group will be intent on retaining his signature.
Following the Man United win, many noticed that the Senegal star actually paid a subtle tribute to Lionel Messi.
Everton star Iliman Ndiaye.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Iliman Ndiaye spotted wearing Lionel Messi’s boots
Fans have actually likened Ndiaye to Lionel Messi due to his dribbling ability, and he scored a goal worthy of that comparison against Sunderland earlier this month.
The 25-year-old’s agility and balance whilst running at defenders is probably second to none in the Premier League, so whilst he’s evidently not on Messi’s level, they do possess similar traits.
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It seems Ndiaye wants to lean into those comparisons as he was spotted wearing Messi’s Adidas F50s boots against Man United on Monday.
Iliman Ndiaye paying tribute to Lionel Messi!
Perhaps the Senegal international feels it’ll be a good luck charm, and if he can perform even a fraction of Messi’s level, the Toffees will have one of the division’s best players.
Iliman Ndiaye has become Everton’s most valuable player
In the latest CIES Football Observatory update, Ndiaye became Everton’s most valuable player, surpassing Jarrad Branthwaite.
The database reckons he’s worth around £54m, although the Friedkin’s certainly wouldn’t sanction his sale for that fee.
Is Iliman Ndiaye Everton’s best player?
Given the landscape of the market these days, the Senegal international could genuinely be worth in excess of £70m.
Idrissa Gana Gueye reckons he could win the Ballon d’Or, so clearly his peers reckon he’s a supreme talent.
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