The Everton attacker was probed over three of his team-mates ahead of Senegal's meeting with the Republic of Ireland
YAMOUSSOUKRO, IVORY COAST - JANUARY 23: Iliman cheikh baroy Ndiaye of Senegal embraces Idrissa gana Gueye of Senegal during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations group stage match between Guinea and Senegal at on January 23, 2024 in Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Iliman Ndiaye and his Everton team-mate Idrissa Gueye pictured celebrating for Senegal
(Image: MB Media/Getty Images)
Iliman Ndiaye was left chuckling as a press conference ahead of Senegal’s friendly with the Republic of Ireland became dominated by Everton. The 25-year-old, who enjoyed an exceptional debut season with the Blues, was tasked with performing media duties ahead of the international in Dublin on Friday night.
During proceedings he ended up facing questions on his club team-mates Jake O’Brien, Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gueye.
Everton were such a common topic that at one point reporters had to be asked to keep their focus on the national teams.
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Ndiaye was first asked about the prospect of facing defender O’Brien, who finished the season at centre-back after breaking i to the first team on the right of the defence after the appointment of David Moyes in January.
On the towering defender, Ndiaye said: “Jake is a top player, someone I admire a lot and it is going to be a good test for the two of us.
“We were laughing with Seamus Coleman and Jake about the match and I think it is going to be a good experience for the both of us and I am looking forward to it.”
Focus then turned to Coleman, absent from the fixture due to the injury he suffered against Southampton last month.
Reflecting on the Blues club captain’s influence, Ndiaye said: “We have a very good relationship, he welcomed me kindly when I first arrived and has facilitated my arrival at the club. It has made the start - and the end of my season, actually - be better.
“We have spoken a lot. He has given me a lot of advice, about the town, about the fans and it has made things much easier for me.”
Gueye, who is also Ndiaye’s Senegal international team-mate, then came up.
Ndiaye explained: “He speaks a lot and he makes the game much easier. Everybody sees him, everybody knows him, he is captain material.
“He pushes the team forward and all the players so it is a really good contribution to the game.”
Coleman and Gueye are out of contract at the end of the month.
Talks have been ongoing with both, with Everton boss Moyes keen for Coleman to remain in the playing squad - though the option to move to the backroom staff is available to the 36-year-old.
Talks with Gueye were also understood to be progressing well.