Everton have transformed their early-season form, putting together a four-game unbeaten run; Iliman Ndiaye’s performances have been a standout feature of their autumn resurgence; watch Everton vs Fulham on Sky Sports Premier League on Saturday, kick-off 5.30pm
For one of their longest away days of the season last weekend, the 496-mile round trip to Ipswich was made memorable by their new No 10. From Senegal to Bramley Moore, Iliman Ndiaye is the one that they adore.
Signed from Marseille for an undisclosed fee over the summer, the 24-year-old has instantly built a connection with a fanbase that have found a song for the ‘magic’ man inspiring the club’s autumn resurgence.
Ryan Rooney – a 22-year-old lifelong Everton fan who grew up in Norris Green, Liverpool – came up with an ode to Ndiaye on social media which was adopted instantaneously on the away terrace at Portman Road.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Rooney explained why he feels Ndiaye has quickly endeared himself to supporters.
“For me I think the type of player he is, he’s exciting and in a few of his interviews he said that he’s an exciting player. The ball seems to sort of stick to him, he’s great at dribbling and he’s scored a few goals now,” he said.
“I think for me personally, with his attitude when he joined the club, he was respectful, talking about how he wants to play at the new stadium and how he wants to get the fans off the seats.”
It is a love affair which could well have begun 12 months ago, had Everton boss Sean Dyche had his way.
“We liked him when he was at Sheffield United,” said Dyche following the 2-0 win at Ipswich. “We tried to take him then and we couldn’t.”
In the end, Everton could not compete with Marseille’s offer of around £20m. Ndiaye had also previously spent time in the Ligue 1 club’s youth set-up meaning there was an emotional pull taking him back to France.
Ultimately, Ndiaye’s boyhood dream turned into a nightmare. Just three goals and five assists last campaign left supporters underwhelmed.
The player told Sky Sports over the summer that he “hadn’t felt himself” – but working under three different managers certainly had not helped during a volatile season at the Stade Velodrome.
Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell sensed an opportunity to make Ndiaye feel loved again, with the club’s financial outlook easing. Senegal team-mate Idrissa Gueye also played an influential role in convincing his countryman of the career change.
Speaking on the day of his unveiling in early July, Thelwell said: “Iliman is a player we have admired for a long time and we are delighted to bring a much-sought-after player of his quality to Everton.”
Recruitment has been a big issue, putting it mildly, on the blue half of Merseyside over the past eight seasons across the Farhad Moshiri years.
