Keane and Calvert-Lewin respond to ‘huge’ Iliman Ndiaye message at Everton
Iliman Ndiaye was Everton’s difference-maker as they beat Southampton 2-0 in their last ever match at Goodison Park.
Everton waved goodbye to Goodison Park after 133 years with a comfortable stroll to victory over the Saints, as they prepare to move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Liverpool’s waterfront this summer.
The Stadium will continue to be associated with the Toffees in the future after Everton confirmed their women’s side will call Goodison home from next season, but that didn’t prevent an emotional afternoon.
Dan Friedkin has already begun to alleviate the debt racked up by previous owner Farhad Moshiri, and this is only likely to continue once Everton are settled into their new home on Bramley-Moore Dock.
Iliman Ndiaye sends ‘prouder than ever’ message at Everton
Ndiaye’s first-half double easily swept Southampton aside as a party atmosphere broke out at Goodison; as Evertonians celebrated their final outing in front of the Grand Old Lady against a passive opposition.
The Senegal international has been a cut above the rest for Everton this season and is often the game-changer for David Moyes‘ side, and after two excellent finishes against Saints, he took to social media.
| Everton | Statistics | Southampton |
| 2 | Goals | 0 |
| 2.39 | xG | 1.16 |
| 5 / 13 | Shots on Target | 2 / 6 |
| 50% | Possession | 50% |
| 4 | Corners | 5 |
In an Instagram post (19 May) which was liked by out-of-contract duo Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane, Ndiaye said: “Prouder than ever to have been part of such a special moment yesterday and to have scored the final goals at Goodison Park.
“Huge thanks to all the fans for making it unforgettable and for your support all along the season. Up the Toffees !”
Everton to build new-look team around Ndiaye this summer
Calvert-Lewin and Keane may not be around to witness Ndiaye at his best for much longer, after Football Insider revealed last month that Everton will “definitely” let Keane leave upon the expiry of his contract.
Football Insider has also reported that Moyes and Everton are keen to offer Calvert-Lewin a new deal, but the England striker joins Abdoulaye Doucoure in a big group of players likely to depart this summer.
Sensible and cost-effective transfers will soon come the other way into Everton’s new home, and with Moyes a long-time fan of Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, such signings could be perfect to unlock Ndiaye’s game even further.