'Shining light' – Troy Deeney names player Everton cannot do without to avoid relegation

Everton will struggle to avoid relegation from the Premier League if Iliman Ndiaye picks up an injury, according to Troy Deeney.

Naming Ndiaye in his BBC Team of the Week (22 September), Deeney said that the Senegalese international has been a standout for the Toffees during three difficult weeks at Goodison Park.

Ndiaye opened the scoring for the Blues with a fantastic finish against Leicester on 21 September, but for the third game in a row, Sean Dyche’s side couldn’t hold onto their lead and drew 1-1.

In his verdict, Deeney said: “The last three weeks, when Everton have been really poor, (Ndiaye’s) been the shining light.

“He works really hard off the ball, and on it, he adds a different dimension and quality that Everton didn’t have.

“They need to keep him fit if they hope to stay up. If he keeps playing well they’ll have a chance.”

Iliman Ndiaye fast becoming the key man at Everton

Despite having just one Premier League appearance under his belt before arriving at Goodison Park this summer, Ndiaye’s position in the Toffees’ starting XI is now secure beyond question.

His goal against Leicester – weaving between two defenders before slamming a low shot in off the post – is the kind of move the Blues have been lacking for some time, and one which few others can offer.

The number 10 shirt on his back is proving to be fitting for Ndiaye, who has made the role his own in recent weeks and completely taken over the mantle from previous first-choice Abdoulaye Doucoure.

While the likes of Jake O’Brien have struggled for minutes so far this season despite a number of injuries amongst the defensive ranks, Ndiaye must be a fixture of Dyche’s starting XI for the foreseeable future.

The wait for a first win of the Premier League season goes on at Goodison, but if Ndiaye can keep up the strong form he’s shown so far, those maiden three points are surely not too far away.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are finally on the verge of a takeover with a £500million deal now on the verge of completion.

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