James Tarkowski has lauded one of his teammates at Everton in a new interview – and there’s a clear stance The Friedkin Group should be taking.
Everton have now started their pre-season preparations and are currently up in Scotland.
Not all of the players are back yet, with some being given time off after playing at the World Cup.
One player who’s yet to rejoin the group is Iliman Ndiaye, who reached the Round of 32 with Senegal along with his Everton teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye, who is technically now a free agent.
Ndiaye has been the subject of speculation both leading up to and during the tournament in North America.
But comments made by James Tarkowski should make any decision needing to be made a straightforward one this summer
The Friedkin Group must keep Iliman Ndiaye as James Tarkowski delivers big verdict
Having been with Everton for two years now, Ndiaye has established himself as a real maverick for the Toffees.
The star is renowned for his amazing dribbling and close control, and he is someone who can get fans out of their chairs any time he gets the ball.
He perhaps needs to up his rate of scoring and assisting to reach the next level. But for James Tarkowski, Ndiaye is genuinely already one of the best players in the Premier League.
He said in an interview with Koora Break: “He’s got a real determination and grit about him. As good as he is on the ball – it’s very easy to see some players with that talent to maybe just not do that side of the game – he does both all the time.
“He didn’t turn up, last pre-season, when we signed him as that player (good defensively). His development has been incredible since he’s been here. He’s really pushing top, top levels now. For me, he’s one of the standout players in the league.”
How likely do you think it is that Everton could lose Iliman Ndiaye this summer? 😬
Surely a player of his quality will want to showcase himself on the top stage 🤩
Tarkowski was also in no doubt that Ndiaye is the toughest player to face in Everton training.
Earlier in the interview, Tarkowski also talked about how Everton are now building a squad of ‘elite’ players, adding, ‘it’s going to take time, it’s going to take work’. He also said: “We’re working to become a top team in this league and really compete.”
The Friedkin Group need to take note of these comments, which perhaps serve as a subtle hint that players like Ndiaye cannot be sold this summer if Everton are to kick on.
Ndiaye would classify as the kind of ‘elite’ player Tarkowski is talking about, or if not, then he’s close to that category of player.
| Iliman Ndiaye for Everton |
| Appearances – 71 |
| Goals – 17 |
| Assists – 3 |
Ndiaye has already cast a bit of doubt on his own Everton future, talking up playing Champions League football.
That was a warning sign to TFG, and it’s very possible bids will soon arrive for him.
But it’s important they stand firm unless a truly astronomical one arrives. Because Everton cannot really hope to push on if they lose someone capable of providing magic like Ndiaye can.
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