- Iliman Ndiaye has been one of Everton’s best signings in the Premier League.
- Senegalese international was Toffees’ top scorer in debut season on Merseyside.
- But the winger has recently been wasteful in front of goal.
Iliman Ndiaye adds flair and creativity to this Everton squad.
Since arriving from Marseille in 2024, he has been the Blues’ star man and scored some magnificent goals.
The Senegal international is largely at the centre of Everton’s attacking play, and his absence in January highlighted how much of a key man he is.
Yet in the Toffees’ draws against Manchester City and Crystal Palace, he has been extremely wasteful in front of goal.
Ndiaye’s missed chances are costing Everton
A big aspect of Ndiaye’s game is his willingness to take an extra touch where others do not, which makes him an unpredictable player and a tough man to defend against.
This clearly works for the winger, as there have been multiple goals in which he has driven at defences and created chances for himself with nimble footwork.
But in the past two games, the 26-year-old has gotten into promising positions and failed to capitalise in front of goal.
Against Manchester City, he was a force that drove Everton up the pitch, yet did not test Gianluigi Donnarumma once.
And today, the trend continued, contributing heavily to a wasteful afternoon for the Toffees.
There were times in the match when the winger opted to hold the ball for longer, instead of releasing it earlier to another player joining him on the counter.
What makes this criticism so tough is that Ndiaye is still showing a high level of skill to work himself into these positions, and if anything, it is a good problem for him to have.
But this wastefulness needs to be cut out immediately, as it is costing Everton points at a time in the season when they are so valuable.
Ndiaye’s first downfall at Everton
Ndiaye having a consistent fault in his performances is certainly a rarity.
On the whole, he has been faultless and is Everton’s most precious commodity in attack, but also showcases his hard work in defence.
So to have your first major criticism when coming to the end of your second season at the club goes to show how brilliant the winger has been.
However, it is imperative that he works on this weakness as spurring golden opportunities will haunt Everton.
Ndiaye has been a revelation for David Moyes’ side, and if they are to progress, he will be at the centre of their rebuild, but missed chances in the past two games have dearly cost the Toffees.
