'That good': Everton told they have a talent in their ranks who's good enough to play for Manchester City
Although Everton are once again in a Premier League relegation battle, they’re giving a good account of themselves under Sean Dyche this term. Everton are...
Although Everton are once again in a Premier League relegation battle, they’re giving a good account of themselves under Sean Dyche this term.
Everton are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games and held champions Manchester City to a 1-1 draw on Boxing Day.
Man City opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Bernardo Silva’s effort took a deflection off Jarrad Branthwaite and looped into the far corner.
However, Everton equalised out of the blue on 36 minutes through Iliman Ndiaye, who skilfully controlled Abdoulaye Doucoure’s pass and volleyed past Stefan Ortega.
Neither side could find a winner in the second half, with Erling Haaland seeing a penalty saved by Jordan PIckford, while the follow-up was ruled out for offside.
Now, Everton have been told that they have a player in their ranks who’s good enough to start for Man City after his heroics on Boxing Day.
READ MORE: Everton fans are all making the same point about Dominic Calvert-Lewin after Manchester City draw
Iliman Ndiaye deemed good enough to start for Manchester City
BBC Sport pundit Paul Robinson told BBC Radio 5 Live on Boxing Day that Ndiaye would start ahead of both Savinho and Jeremy Doku.
“Everton have a player in Iliman Ndiaye who would get in the Manchester City team, he is that good,” said Robinson.
“Today, he would get in over Savinho and Jeremy Doku.”
Robinson also touched upon how Everton’s players would have been “absolutely delighted” by their result at the Etihad Stadium.
“There’s two sides to this story,” he said. “We will talk all day about Manchester City’s failings.
“They are a team with no confidence. They are good sometimes but they do not take the risk with the ball.
“The other side is Everton and Sean Dyche. His players will be absolutely delighted with this.”
Ndiaye media ratings v Man City
The Liverpool Echo gave Ndiaye a rating of 9 out of 10 for his efforts at the Etihad Stadium.
‘Sumptuous finish with the outside of his boot at the back post to fire Everton level,’ they began.
‘His trickery and positive play tested City all afternoon and he was always a useful out ball before making way late on.’
Meanwhile, Liverpool World gave Ndiaye an 8 out of 10 and wrote: ‘The liveliest Everton player in the first half and got his reward with an excellent finish.
‘Got Everton up the pitch a few times in the second half but had to keep his shape a lot in the defensive unit before being subbed in the 81st minute.’
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