gameSenegal know they need a response when they face Norway in their second World Cup group match in the early hours of Tuesday morning. For Everton supporters, the game carries added significance.
Idrissa Gana Gueye remains one of Senegal’s most influential figures, while Iliman Ndiaye has given head coach Pape Thiaw plenty to think about after his lively substitute appearance against France.
With selection decisions under the spotlight, both Blues players could have important roles to play.
Senegal need a response after their France setback
Opening matches rarely define a tournament, but they can shape a team’s direction.
Senegal’s defeat to France has left the African side needing a positive result against Norway if they are to have any hope of reaching the knockout stages. While there were encouraging moments against one of the tournament favourites, Senegal also lacked a cutting edge in key attacking areas.
That has inevitably placed the spotlight on tonight’s team selection.
Much of the post-match discussion in Senegal has centred on whether Thiaw should freshen up his attack after seeing Ndiaye make an impact from the bench.
According to reporting from outlets, including the Liverpool Echo and The Athletic in recent days, Ndiaye’s contribution was viewed as one of Senegal’s brighter moments in the defeat, particularly his ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas and connect the midfield with attack, which was isolated for much of the game.
From an Everton perspective, those qualities no surprise.
Evertonians have seen them over the last couple of seasons as Ndiaye has increasingly become one of the club’s most important attacking outlets.
The question now is whether that performance against France has done enough to earn him a starting place against Norway.
Why Ndiaye could be the answer to Senegal’s attacking problem
If Senegal’s coaching staff are looking for greater attacking fluidity, there is a strong case for introducing the Everton forward from the start.
Against France, Senegal often found themselves defending well before struggling to turn transitions into sustained attacking spells. When Ndiaye entered the fray on 82 minutes, he offered something slightly different.
More threat between the lines
One of Ndiaye’s greatest strengths is his ability to receive possession in crowded areas and still find space to drive forward.
Rather than operating as a traditional winger, he often drifts into pockets of space where defenders are uncomfortable following him. It is a trait that regularly caused problems for Premier League opposition last season and could prove useful against a Norway side expected to defend in a more solid, compact shape than France.
Greater quality in transition
International tournaments are often decided by moments rather than prolonged spells of dominance.
Ndiaye’s direct running gives Senegal another route to goal when the game becomes tight. His assist after coming off the bench against France only strengthened the argument that he can influence matches at this elite level.
For that reason alone, there is a growing sense that Senegal may be stronger tonight with him in the starting XI.
Gueye’s experience could prove decisive once again
While Ndiaye’s place remains open to debate, there appears to be far less uncertainty surrounding Gueye.
The Everton midfielder continues to be one of the most trusted players in the Senegal squad. At 36, he remains a regular starter because of qualities that now extend well beyond his athleticism and engine.
His positional awareness, leadership and ability to recognise danger before it develops remain invaluable in tournament football.
Everton supporters witnessed the same qualities under David Moyes last season. Even as younger players emerged around him, Gueye remained one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Norway will pose a different challenge to France, but Senegal’s need for composure and experience makes Gueye’s inclusion feel inevitable barring any injuries.
The more intriguing question concerns Ndiaye.
I sense that Gueye starts, while Ndiaye has given Thiaw enough to seriously consider a change in attack. Senegal looked more threatening after his introduction against France, and this feels like the type of tense match where his creativity could make a difference.
For Evertonians watching, there is every chance that both Blues will have significant roles to play in what is already shaping up to be a pivotal one for Senegal’s World Cup hopes.
