The former Blues striker was speaking ahead of Belgium's game with Senegal
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku pictured during a press conference ahead of Belgium's World Cup clash with Senegal. Photo by DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
Belgium's Romelu Lukaku pictured during a press conference ahead of Belgium's World Cup clash with Senegal. Photo by DIRK WAEM / BELGA MAG / Belga / AFP via Getty Images
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Romelu Lukaku believes Everton star Iliman Ndiaye is one of the best in the world at beating defenders.
The former Everton striker heaped praise on Ndiaye, highlighting him as a major talent in an interview with the Belgian press.
Lukaku's comments came ahead of his Belgium side’s last-32 tie with the winger's Senegal at the World Cup on Wednesday.
Speaking to De Standaard before the match, Lukaku namechecked both Ndiaye and his former Everton team-mate Idrissa Gueye as he insisted Senegal were not an opponent Belgium could take lightly.
He said (via Sport Witness: “Iliman Ndiaye is gifted and technically one of the best in one-on-one situations. Ismaïla Sarr is dangerous, Sadio (Mané) is very good, and Nicolas Jackson has a lot of qualities.
“In midfield, you’ve got Pape Gueye, the left-footed midfielder from Villarreal, and Gana Gueye, who I used to play alongside.
“At the back, Kalidou Koulibaly remains the leader of that team. We really mustn’t underestimate them.”
Lukaku remains Everton’s record Premier League goalscorer and scored 87 times across a four-year spell on Merseyside, where Ndiaye currently plies his trade.
An injury-hit season has led to uncertainty over Lukaku's future, leading some outlets to claim a reunion with the Blues could be possible.
The 33-year-old will face Senegal fresh from their 5-0 hammering of Iraq, a game that saw Ndiaye come from the bench to score one goal and set up another.