Iliman Ndiaye’s World Cup has finally lifted off the ground following Senegal’s final group stage game against Iraq.
The Everton winger has still not started a single game for Pape Thiaw at the World Cup, but that could now change heading into the knockout rounds.
Ndiaye was criticised by the Senegalese media heading into this summer’s tournament.
Where has this version of Iliman Ndiaye been hiding for the last three months? 🤩
Welcome back, Ili!
However, his impact from the bench against Iraq on Friday evening was enough to earn the 25-year-old a piece of World Cup history.
How Iliman Ndiaye made World Cup history in Senegal vs Iraq
Having come on for the final 33 minutes of the game, Ndiaye was able to provide a simply outstanding return.
- 33 minutes played
- 1 goal
- 1 assist
- 2 key passes
- 3/5 successful dribbles
His performance was impressive enough to set a World Cup record as the only player to come on as a substitute and then score a goal, assist a goal, have five touches in the opposition box and make five dribbles.
How much would it take for Everton to accept a bid for Iliman Ndiaye? 💷
David Moyes said every player has his price… 😫
Ndiaye did not enjoy a strong end to Everton’s season, which may well have played into his lack of starts at this World Cup.
Senegal are now left waiting on the final results of the group stage to confirm their spot in the next round as one of the top third-placed sides.
Everton need this version of Ndiaye throughout next season
Despite his poor second half of the 2025/26 campaign, Ndiaye remains one of David Moyes’ best players on Merseyside.
The 25-year-old provided a return of six goals and three assists in the Premier League, but there was no goal contributions from him in the final seven games.
Ndiaye is being heavily linked with an Everton exit, with the likes of Manchester City showing an interest in him.
His poor ending to the season could well suggest fatigue, which is something that was not managed by Moyes as Ndiaye started all 32 of his Premier League appearances.
The Senegal national manager, Thiaw, has demonstrated the impact Ndiaye could have off the bench having been provided the opportunity to rest after a gruelling season.
Moyes had players like Tyler Dibling and Tyrique George both chomping at the bit to get on the pitch and try and make an impact throughout last season.
Instead, the 63-year-old decided to stick with Ndiaye and arguably drove the Senegalese winger’s energy into the ground, which clearly impacted his output on the pitch.
A lesson can be taken from Thiaw’s management of Ndiaye by Moyes, with no player at Everton too good to be taken out of the side if they are struggling.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
