Everton’s Senegalese duo kicked off their Africa Cup of Nations campaign on Tuesday with a comfortable victory against Botswana.
Everyone back on Merseyside will be hoping to see Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye come through the games without any injury issues.
David Moyes has now seen his options depleted over recent weeks at Everton following a number of injuries and, of course, the international absences.
Everton do not expect Ndiaye and Gueye back until mid-January, with Senegal one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Morocco.
Fortunately, the Everton pair were able to come through their opening game on Tuesday without any injury issues to show for their efforts.
And the Senegalese media thought there was one standout performer between them as Senegal cruised to a 3-0 win.
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye shine in Senegal victory
With the Lions of Teranga securing the points early on, Ndiaye was withdrawn just after the hour mark against Botswana.
It was the perfect way to open up the tournament for the 2021 champions and the two Everton players certainly played their part.
Senegalese outlet DSports shared their player ratings on the back of the game, with one of Moyes’ players impressing more than the other.
‘Highly visible in the first half, the Senegalese playmaker was the main architect of the attacking play. Dangerous crosses, shots, dribbles, and key passes: he livened up the start of the match, but understandably his pace dropped after the break,’ they said about Ndiaye as a 6.5/10 rating was awarded.
Tim Iroegbunam has some big boots to fill whilst Idrissa Gueye is away!
Just look at these numbers 🤯
However, when it came to Everton’s veteran midfielder, he really impressed as he earned a 7.5/10 rating.
‘A true leader. At 36, the Everton midfielder delivered a masterful performance. Omnipresent in winning back possession, precise in his use of the ball, aggressive in pressing, and invaluable in initiating attacks, he dominated the midfield,’ said the Senegalese outlet.
‘His brilliant pass to Sabaly for the third goal epitomized his complete performance. A truly top-class display.’
With Moyes’ midfield options left extremely light in the wake of Gueye’s departure, the 62-year-old must be eager to get him back on Merseyside.
Everton still searching for their Iliman Ndiaye replacement
Tim Iroegbunam has really impressed Moyes in recent weeks on the back of his one-game suspension picked up against Bournemouth.
The youngster has endured a shaky start on Merseyside, but he has really shown his potential in being able to replace Gueye in the starting XI of late.
How much are Everton missing his creative spark? 😫
Good to see he was rested with Senegal cruising to victory!
Moyes’ big issue comes in replacing Ndiaye in the starting XI.
At the weekend, Moyes selected Dwight McNeil over Tyler Dibling in a decision that really divided the fanbase.
Everton’s £40m summer signing has barely played this season and, despite Ndiaye not being available, he is now struggling to uproot an out-of-favour McNeil from the side.
Moyes has a big decision to make ahead of Burnley on his big summer signing.
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