Everton’s summer of recruitment naturally had fans excited about what was to come in the new season, yet it feels like they have really yet to get going.
Sean Dyche is coming under increasing scrutiny for certain decisions made, particularly personnel-related, as supporters clamour to see their new signings shine in the starting lineup.
After all, already we have seen Tim Iroegbunam swiftly develop into one of their most important players, with Iliman Ndiaye the latest to capture the imagination of the fanbase.
Earning his first start in the EFL Cup, and then going on to shine in the following Premier League fixture despite their late collapse, it’s remarkable how quickly Evertonians have taken to this Senegalese trickster.
And now, he has already been rewarded for his brief but stunning spell at Goodison Park.
Iliman Ndiaye wins EFL Cup Goal of the Round
It’s a testament to Ndiaye’s unbridled talent that, after just two starts in Royal Blue, he has already picked up his first award.
However, for those who have watched him play thus far, particularly in his full debut against Doncaster Rovers, it should come as no surprise to see that he won the EFL Cup Goal of the Round.
With the Toffees holding a slender but deserved lead after a nervy first half, Jake O’Brien sought to punch a pass into the midfield, where the former Sheffield United and Marseille man had dropped.
Taking one touch out of his feet, the second saw him spin around, leaving his marker bamboozled, sprawled out on the turf.
Now, Ndiaye was bearing down directly on the Doncaster goal, with their defenders backtracking after seeing him already sit down one of their teammates.
Squaring up the last defender, his quick feet allowed him to take him on the outside and as he crept into the penalty area he flashed a left-footed effort past the goalkeeper at his near post.
Everton have since sent a one-word message to their new superstar, simply writing: ‘Congratulations’. It feels like Kevin Thelwell is the one who truly needs congratulating, for tempting this tricky attacker to Merseyside.
Although, Ndiaye admitted there was a particularly special reason why he joined Everton…
Iliman Ndiaye looks like the perfect Everton player
Although his spell has only been brief, it’s quite remarkable how Ndiaye has already announced himself as a fan favourite.
But that should come as no surprise to most, given what they saw in just two starts.
Particularly against AFC Bournemouth, Premier League opposition, he ran the show with his dynamism and work rate.
It’s not often that you get a player blessed with such physical and technical assets also so desperate to help out defensively too.
In that match, he managed four tackles from the left wing, and progressed the ball so far up the pitch when he had no right to do so.
His neat touches and fancy flicks are certain to get Goodison Park off its feet far more often than in recent years, and hopefully make this final year at the Old Lady far more entertaining.
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