'It's changed a lot' - Iliman Ndiaye gives blunt verdict on Everton after David Moyes appointment
Iliman Ndiaye believes David Moyes has restored confidence within the Everton squad after replacing Sean Dyche as Blues boss. After picking up just 17 points from the first half of the Premier League season, Dyche was dismissed following the 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth in Everton’s first fixture of 2025.
Although Moyes was beaten 1-0 at home to Aston Villa in his first game back, he has now guided the Blues to a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur and a 1-0 success at Brighton & Hove Albion, their first back-to-back victories of the campaign. Ndiaye told SportsBoom: “Obviously, everyone is ready because it’s a massive game for us. We have a chance to go out again, and everyone is feeling confident.
“We have two wins in a row, and it’s normal that it’s going to give us confidence. Everyone is ready, and everyone is working hard.
“For the short time he’s been here, it’s improved us to be mentally stronger and to be a team. He’s helping each and every one of us to give the best of ourselves for us and for the club. So yeah, it’s changed a lot in a short time.”
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The Senegal international netted the winner at the Amex Stadium on Saturday from the penalty spot with what was his seventh goal of the season since completing a summer switch from Olympique Marseille and although he wears the number 10 jersey, he insists he doesn’t feel the pressure of being given that shirt. Ndiaye said: “The number ten is just a number. I don’t think there’s any pressure with it.
“I think it’s just a number. I know all the players I’m with have a chance, and that’s why I have a chance.
“I don’t feel pressure or anything like that. I just play my game to help my team-mates and help the club to achieve big and good things.”
Starting his career at Sheffield United, Ndiaye made a solitary Premier League appearance with the Blades before moving to France but he is pleased to now be establishing himself in a competition he believes is world football’s toughest domestic division. He said: “The Premier League has the best players in the world, and the way the games are played out is very physical. The Premier League also has the best managers. These are the best things.”
