Everton were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth last night in their first Premier League Summer Series match at the Metlife Stadium – but one star has emerged from the game with some credit.
David Moyes’ side fell short in New Jersey and were made to pay for some poor defending.
Philip Billing scored the opening goal for the Cherries on 55 minutes, driving home from the edge of the box.
Dango Outtara doubled Bournemouth’s lead, with Nathan Patterson failing to deal with the forward as he ran through.
Daniel Adu-Adjei made it three, latching onto Jake O’Brien’s under-hit back pass.
So a frustrating result, and there need not have been such daylight for Bournemouth.
But there were positives to take from the game. Fans felt Thierno Barry looked good when he came on for his Everton debut.
David Moyes also praised Barry, and hopefully he’ll see more minutes against West Ham United on Wednesday.
But Evertonians were also pleased with the showing of another player.
Everton fans laud Iliman Ndiaye despite Bournemouth defeat
Last season Iliman Ndiaye was a shining light for Everton.
It quickly became apparent after his move from Marseille that the Toffees had landed a player of real quality – and his final numbers were fairly impressive.
He finished the campaign with 11 goals to his name, and it is clear he’ll be a very important player in 2025/26 for Everton.
Last night against Bournemouth, the Senegal international drew praise from fans for the way he played.
One clip that’s been shared from the game by Premier League USA on X captured Ndiaye dancing his way through a number of Bournemouth players on the left wing, which went down well.
@TacticallyMatt: “Iliman Ndiaye is genuinely one of the most enjoyable players to watch in the Premier League. Absolute magician.”
@EvertonNewsFeed: “🪄 Ridiculous 🪄”
@Dane4Blue: “Brilliant skill….more of that in the final third!”
@LeeFMc83: “Ndiaye is a beautiful footballer.”
@Geoffreyjames23: “The Mersey Messi.”
@Konando_: “That dribble in the 10th min was sensational.”
Iliman Ndiaye is Everton’s main man
It is little surprise to see Ndiaye still shining when most of his teammates were struggling.
The 25-year-old was a huge positive for the Toffees last season and it is so clear he is a top quality player who Everton must keep fit and build around.
11 goals in a debut season for a team that struggled for half the campaign is impressive going.
So if Moyes can surround him with players of similar ability, then Everton will be in a much better spot.
Hopefully, Ndiaye – who Jamie Carragher branded ‘fantastic earlier this year – can pick right back up where he left off last season, and thrill supporters at the Hill Dickinson Stadium just as he did at Goodison Park.
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