Everton now have a number of players in their squad who are capable of special things on the pitch after an encouraging summer transfer window.
David Moyes has been handed players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who have proven to be real game-changers for the 62-year-old manager.
On the back of the summer window, Moyes was delighted with Everton’s transfer business, but he was aware that more would be needed in January.
However, Everton now face a real test with a number of their top players set to miss some of the upcoming Premier League games.
Moyes wants Everton to push for European qualification this season and he certainly has some players who have shown that quality already.
And there is one player on Merseyside who Dewsbury-Hall already thinks has more quality than his former teammate, Cole Palmer.
Chelsea v Everton - Premier League
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall rates Iliman Ndiaye higher than Cole Palmer
Iliman Ndiaye has now left Everton for the Africa Cup of Nationswith his return not expected until some time next month.
It is no secret that Ndiaye is going to be a huge loss for Everton over the next month or so.
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Speaking to Stan Sport, Dewsbury-Hall has admitted that he thinks Ndiaye is actually way more skilful than his former Chelsea teammate, Palmer.
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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“Pure skill? Cole, in terms of pure skill you won’t see Cole doing skills like Ili does, Cole is more silky with moving his body, but Ili, you’ve seen what he’s done this year with his dribbles, he takes like four players on,” said the Everton midfielder.
Ironically, the two played against each other at the weekend, with Palmer coming out on top with three points and a goal under his belt.
However, Chelsea fans were very impressed by Ndiaye and what he offered Everton on both flanks throughout the game.
Leaving for AFCON as Everton’s joint-top goalscorer, Ndiaye is going to be a massive miss, but Moyes will already be hoping he can return without any injury issues.
Everton need to reward Iliman Ndiaye for his excellent season
The Premier League season may not even be at its halfway point just yet, but Ndiaye has put many across Europe on alert.
Fabrizio Romano issued an update on Ndiaye’s Everton future, with the Italian journalist suggesting clubs will be interested in the summer.
What concerns do you have about Iliman Ndiaye leaving Everton in the summer?😫
Surely Everton must hand him a new contract!
David Moyes on Iliman Ndiaye's Everton future.
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Given the levels the Senegal international is showing on Merseyside, this may well concern a number of fans.
Everton News understands that Everton will consider offering Ndiaye a new deal if he is able to offer a strong second half to the season.
There are more pressing contract situations currently on Merseyside with the likes of James Garner, but Ndiaye is certainly on the radar.
If Everton are unable to qualify for Europe this season, it would not surprise many to see some of the continent’s biggest clubs at least show an interest.
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