Everton host Liverpool in the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday afternoon. And not for the first time, Iliman Ndiaye could be key to the Toffees getting a result.
After a difficult few years for Everton, it’s an interesting sight for their supporters to head into a game against their rivals this close in the league table. A win could see Everton go just two points behind Liverpool, with both sides now battling to finish in the European places.
The Toffees go into the game having lost just once in their previous five matches in the Premier League, while Liverpool’s disappointing season continues.
Everton fans are rarely confident heading into the Merseyside derby, while Liverpool supporters will be equally worried, so it could be an interesting affair.
In this article, we’ll cover
Ndiaye’s qualities shine through this season
Ndiaye has made a huge impact since his move to Everton, but he’s gone to another level this season. The Senegal international is known for his mazy dribbling ability, but David Moyes will love him for other reasons.
Ndiaye has won possession in the final third 22 times this season, ranking him third in the Premier League. His off-the-ball ability, coupled with his technical quality, makes him an ideal winger for Moyes, and it’s no surprise that other clubs are reportedly taking a look at him.
What Ndiaye offers with the ball at his feet is what dazzles supporters the most, and he’s a footballer that even opposition fans will enjoy watching. Only two players have completed more take-ons in the Premier League this season than Ndiaye (55).
Moyes will still want more from Ndiaye in terms of goal contributions, but he’s already equalled his number of goals and assists combined from last season (9). Adding more goals and assists to his game is what he needs to work on to get himself into the conversation of elite wingers, but there’s no doubt he’s got qualities that match them.
Crucial battle approaching on Sunday
Moyes is likely to line up with Dwight McNeil and Ndiaye as his two wingers on Sunday. The Everton boss might be tempted to bring in Tyrique George after his cameo against Brentford, but McNeil will likely win the race due to being more sound defensively.
Ndiaye is likely to line up on the left-hand side of attack, and it’s an area that Moyes will be looking to exploit. Arne Slot recently ruled out Joe Gomez for the game against Everton, and with Conor Bradley already out injured, Jeremie Frimpong is likely to start.
The Dutch wide man certainly has his qualities in the final third, but he has shown vulnerability at the back. Frimpong also acts as another winger when Liverpool have possession, which can leave them exposed.
Against Fulham last time out in the Premier League, Frimpong was almost holding hands with Mohamed Salah in terms of his average position. Although that means the Reds could create overloads on the right-hand side, it also leaves space for Everton in transition.
That’s where Ndiaye could be crucial. Although not carrying bundles of pace, Ndiaye is a dangerous threat in transition with his ball carrying. The Everton winger will be needed to help out defensively, but if they can move the ball quickly when they win it back, there will be opportunities to get in down the left.
Ndiaye more dangerous on the left
With Jack Grealish arriving at the club in the summer transfer window, Ndiaye spent a large portion of the season on the right-hand side. Since Grealish’s injury, Ndiaye has been given more opportunity to play on the left, where he’s previously flourished at Everton.
Since his move to Merseyside, every goal Ndiaye has scored in the Premier League has come centrally or from the left-hand side. Although the data is slightly skewed due to playing more games on the left, he’s still proven to be effective in and around the box in that area.
If Ndiaye can get into these areas in space, he could be a real worry for Liverpool. Especially if, as expected, Frimpong is going to be caught out of position in Everton’s half.
It’s certainly going to be an interesting battle between Frimpong and Ndiaye, and even if Slot throws up a surprise at right-back, the Everton star will fancy himself. Dominik Szoboszlai has been deployed as a right-back at times this season, but, like Frimpong, he’ll be looking to venture forward.
Everton vs Liverpool usually brings an exciting game filled with drama, and there will be plenty of interesting battles all over the pitch on Sunday.