Everton are set to lose Iliman Ndiaye to the Africa Cup of Nations in the coming days and he is leaving big boots to be filled.
David Moyes is more than aware that the absence of Ndiaye is going to be a loss, but it will also offer some other players with an opportunity to impress him.
Following the Chelsea game, Ndiaye departs Everton for AFCON along with midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye and they will not return until next month.
The Senegal international has enjoyed another sensational start to the campaign for Everton as he leads the goalscoring tally with four in the Premier League.
Moyes has admitted Tyler Dibling will be handed his opportunity in the absence of Ndiaye following a tricky start to life on Merseyside for the youngster.
However, it is going to be difficult to replace a player like Ndiaye who has now claimed he does something even better than Heung-min Son.
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Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye thinks he’s even better than Heung-min Son
Tony Bellew is worried Everton could lose Ndiaye because his performances have been that good over recent months.
Everton News reported back in October that Everton will consider a new deal for Ndiaye if he is able to maintain these levels of performance.
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Speaking to NBC Sports, Everton’s winger has admitted there’s something he does even better than the South Korean forward.
How are Everton going to cope without Iliman Ndiaye for a month? 😫
An overview of Iliman Ndiaye's 2025/26 season for Everton.
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When asked who is the better dribbler between himself and specific players, Ndiaye ranked himself above the following:
Allan Saint-Maximin
Yannick Bolasie
Jay-Jay Okocha
Heung-min Son
He did stop when he heard former Newcastle United winger Hatem Ben Arfa’s name crop up, though.
Manchester City fans were stunned by Ndiaye earlier in the season for the way he glided through their side at the Etihad Stadium.
He really has become one of the real entertainers in the Premier League.
Ndiaye can have a huge impact like Heung-min Son
Despite his reputation with football fans across the world, Son is not particularly a player who is well received on Merseyside.
However, what he achieved in the Premier League has to be recognised.
Both in their prime, who are you taking? 🤨
Everton's Iliman Ndiaye and LAFC's Heung-min Son.
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Michael Keane has been so impressed with Ndiaye in training back at Finch Farm, with the winger constantly looking to improve his game.
He has become the focal point of Everton’s side and how Moyes will deal without him over the coming weeks will be very interesting to see.
Everton are eyeing a European finish this season and Ndiaye is likely going to be the man to lead them to that success.
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