Iliman Ndiaye has been Everton’s shining star this season, and it had to be him to give Goodison Park the perfect farewell.
Ndiaye’s £15m transfer to Everton in the summer will no doubt be used for inspiration in the summer, as the forward has been electric in his debut campaign.
A brace in the final ever game at Goodison has topped off what has been a brilliant first impression, as Ndiaye has been a standout for Everton, and had the honour of scoring the final ever goal.
It’s clear that the Toffees could face a fight to keep hold of him in years to come if he keeps up this form.
The brace was great to see, but what referee Michael Oliver did after the game was very unusual to see.
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
Michael Oliver’s unusual gesture to Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye
When the officials were announced, Everton fans were fuming Oliver was refereeing, but he didn’t really put a foot wrong and avoided ruining the occasion.
But it would’ve been hard to ruin what was an incredibly emotional day on Merseyside, which left fans without a dry eye in the house.
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Thankfully, David Moyes’ side got the three points, and Beto got plaudits for his display.
But something might have been missed in the emotion and celebration of the game, as Oliver seemed to be feeling generous to Ndiaye.
After the game, the 25-year-old spoke in a post-match interview about his achievement and was shocked to see what Oliver decided to do.
“I’d never heard a roar like that. It was amazing,” said Ndiaye.
“It is special to score the last goal here. It means a lot.
“I wanted a hat-trick, but even with two goals I got the match ball from the referee!”
READ MORE: Leon Osman thinks £25m player is going to leave Everton after what he saw at Goodison Park farewell
Ndiaye has one more chance to equal Richarlison’s Everton record
As mentioned, Ndiaye’s signing has been inspired, and Moyes will no doubt be searching for a similar deal, as £15m for the Senegalese international is ridiculous.
At one point, Ndiaye was saving Kevin Thelwell’s job for how well he did with the transfer, and his contribution this season has been immense.
Ndiaye’s statistics for Everton this season
Games played 32
Goals 9
Dribble success 50% (64/128)
Chances created 18
Duels won per 90 6.43
Fouls won 49
Of course, Thelwell eventually left, but the former Director of Football has to be thanked for a signing that could be a major part of The Friedkin Group’s project.
The forward can really make his mark with just one game left this season, as Ndiaye can equal Richarlison with double-figures in goals as the Brazilian is the most recent player to do so in 21/22.
Obviously, it’s not the end of the world, but it will be some way to cap off an excellent first campaign.