Iliman Ndiaye worry explained in-depth after Everton star went missing in Sunderland showdown
Iliman Ndiaye went a sixth consecutive Premier League game without scoring on Sunday as Everton were beaten 3-1 by Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Toffees needed to win to keep their hopes of securing European football alive, and looked to be in a commanding position when Merlin Rohl’s deflected strike found the net before the break.
But Sunderland got more and more confident as the game drew on, with Brian Brobbey capitalising on Jake O’Brien’s mistake to level the scores midway through the second half.
Enzo Le Fee would flip the game on its head nine minutes to time, and Wilson Isidor’s stoppage-time strike confirmed a damning defeat for David Moyes’ side.
Everton transfer chiefs have been bracing for interest in Ndiaye this summer, but on the basis of Sunday’s performance, they may not have much to worry about.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBIliman Ndiaye struggles in key Everton showdown
Former Manchester United chief scout exclusively told Football Insider earlier this month that Ndiaye is increasingly likely to stay at Everton this summer.
The 26-year-old had been thought to be attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and the Red Devils this summer, but those links appear to have faded.
| Iliman Ndiaye | Stats vs Sunderland (H) |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Accurate passes | 24/27 |
| Successful dribbles | 0/2 |
| Accurate crosses | 0/1 |
| Dispossessed | 2 |
| Duels won | 1/7 |
The Senegal international has struggled in the second half of the season, often found wanting with his finishing in the final third and not quite having the impact he did in the earlier stages of the campaign.
It was a similar story for Ndiaye on Sunday, with one moment seeing him break beyond the Sunderland back-line but lack all conviction once he got into the box, striking into the defender.
Everton badly needed to win this game, but the winger failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles or crosses, being dispossessed twice.
Ndiaye’s ability to win duels and complete dribbles has been unmatched in the Premier League this season, but it seemed to go out of the window completely on Sunday.
The forward won just one of the seven duels he contested, failing to win a single free kick in what was simply a complete no-show.
Ndiaye still lacking X-factor
Ndiaye has undoubtedly enjoyed a strong season, and Everton will be happy to see him stay this summer, but there is clearly still something he lacks.
The likes of Arsenal and Man United will be looking for that X-factor that gives the winger the ability to change a game single-handedly.
The 26-year-old is still yet to discover that for Everton, although he has demonstrated massive ability with the ball at his feet.
If that final product does materialise for Ndiaye, he will certainly be a player feared throughout the Premier League.
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