Iliman Ndiaye is potentially the most skilful player in the Premier League, but the Everton man’s defensive numbers against Newcastle United should not be overlooked.
Iliman Ndiaye was part of a thrilling contest on Saturday, as Everton beat Newcastle 3-2 at St. James’ Park.
Is Moyes still underappreciated by Everton fans for the job he’s doing? 🤔
Everton manager David Moyes.
It was yet another great result on the road for David Moyes, and a real boost to the club’s hopes of securing European football.
Currently, there is a clip doing the rounds on social media, showing some fancy footwork from Ndiaye on the left side. The star squared up Tino Livramento and shifted the ball right and left before playing a little through ball to Idrissa Gana Gueye, prompting a reaction from the crowd.
As we know, that is a big part of Ndiaye’s game – but against Newcastle, he also showed tremendous defensive work.
Iliman Ndiaye does not shirk defensive responsibility, as impressive Newcastle numbers emerge
Squawka have released some intriguing statistics from the latest round of Premier League fixtures.
As expected, a number of Everton players feature, since it was a top performance.
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But Ndiaye is actually present in a number of defensive categories, which is bound to please Moyes.
Firstly, he was fifth for tackles made at the weekend, with five, tied with five other players – only Jake O’Brien made more (6).
Iliman Ndiaye ahead of playing for Everton.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Ndiaye also won a lot of duels. He won 11, which placed him sixth, tied with two others. Only Igor Thiago, Beto, Alex Scott and Michael Kayode won more.
Those 11 duels were all on the ground, and in the ground duels won category, no player won more.
Everton desperately need to keep refreshing Ndiaye
Ndiaye’s performance against Newcastle was easily his best since returning from AFCON, and hopefully he will now keep showing this kind of level moving forward.
The defensive numbers here are nothing short of impressive. Because Everton were also looking to Ndiaye, as they do in most games – to be the main source of creativity as well.
Newcastle United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The clip that was doing the rounds has, of course, been lapped up by fans who love to see players showing their skill and technical brilliance.
It’s great that people are giving Ndiaye his flowers, but hopefully everyone is also aware just how great he was from a defensive standpoint against Newcastle.
It is refreshing that this particular maverick will still do the dirty work, because it’s not always the case.
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