View: Dyche can't be afraid to make unpopular call on 'Immaculate' Everton ace v Nott'm Forest

Sean Dyche shouldn’t be afraid to drop Iliman Ndiaye from his Everton starting XI against Nottingham Forest on 29 December.

The Senegal international has really stepped up to the plate in the absence of Dwight McNeil but there has been a huge burden on his shoulders and at such a busy time of the calendar, what Dyche will want to avoid is Ndiaye picking up an injury and missing an extended period of time.

Ndiaye was one of Dyche’s best player in their clash against Manchester City on Boxing Day and, in truth, it would be massively unlikely he does take him out the starting XI when he has proven so important.

But there is a genuine concern that if he plays too much, the fatigue and accumulation of minutes might result in him spending times on the sidelines if he is not managed properly.

For example, McNeil has been sidelined for a good few weeks now and one of the many reasons for that is likely down to the amount of football he’s played since the start of the season.

And, even though Ndiaye’s strike against the Cityzens was described as “immaculate” by BBC pundit Paul Robinson on 26 December, there is a school of thought that maybe he could be used as an impact sub against the Tricky Trees.

“What a brilliant strike from Ndiaye. It’s a great shot across the box. You think he doesn’t have enough time, but great players make time. Let him dance in the corner with his teammates,” he said on BBC Radio Five Live.

“His touch makes the goal, the finish is immaculate. The first touch makes that goal. If it wasn’t good, Rico Lewis was on him”.

Why Sean Dyche should go against the grain and bench Iliman Ndiaye for Everton

Of course, the likelihood of the 53-year-old dropping Ndiaye from his starting XI is highly unlikely due to his importance to the team but it feels like it’s something that could really help Everton in the long run.

Indeed, fans would no doubt be calling for Dyche’s head if he did drop him to the bench but with players such as Jesper Lindstrom on the bench who can play a very similar role to Ndiaye, it’s a decision that Dyche could make if he so wishes.

Dyche’s contract with Everton expires at the end of the season and it’s been made fairly aware that he has to impress The Friedkin Group in order to earn an extension to his stay.

The Toffees’ defence has been key in their recent draws against Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City and, as long as the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkwoski are fit and raring to go, it feels like Everton could be formidable enough to keep out Forest’s attackers.

Only time will tell what the future holds for Dyche and his men but if they come away from Goodison Park on Sunday with some points to their name, they’ll have navigated through one of their toughest periods of the season relatively unscathed.

Making sure Ndiaye comes out unscathed is just as crucial as the Toffees head into the New Year.

In other Everton news, Sean Dyche has been backed for a new role under TFG.

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