Football
Exclusive: lliman Ndiaye on Everton's Resurgence Under David Moyes and Owning the Number 10
Ahead of their game against Leicester City, Everton player Iliman Ndiaye praises manager David Moyes and the Premier League. Everton's recent success has boosted team confidence, with Moyes making a positive impact. Ndiaye, Everton's top scorer, feels no pressure wearing the number 10 jersey.
Everton v Doncaster Rovers - Carabao Cup Second Round by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista | Getty Images
Everton forward IIiman Ndiaye has expressed his confidence ahead of the club’s upcoming Premier League fixture against Leicester City.
In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, facilitated by Showmax Premier League, the Senegalese international reflected on Everton’s recent form, the impact of returning manager David Moyes, and his experience playing in England’s topflight.
After a difficult first half of the season, Everton have found form at a crucial time, winning back-to-back league matches to move seven points clear of the relegation zone. The return of David Moyes has sparked a revival, and the Toffees will be looking to carry that momentum into their clash with Leicester at Goodison Park on Saturday, February 1.
“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,” Ndiaye told SportsBoom.com.
“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.”
NDIAYE: PREMIER LEAGUE IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD
Despite Everton’s struggles this season, Ndiaye believes the level of competition in the Premier League remains unmatched.
“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.”
Since taking charge on January 11, Moyes has quickly instilled a sense of resilience within the squad. The Scottish manager previously spent 11 successful years at Everton before leaving to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in 2013. In the years since, he has managed some of the world’s top clubs, but his return to Merseyside has been widely welcomed by fans and players alike.
“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.”
NDIAYE EMBRACING EVERTON'S ICONIC NUMBER 10 SHIRT
Ndiaye, 24, has taken on the responsibility of wearing Everton’s prestigious number 10 jersey since joining the club this season. He has made an immediate impact, scoring crucial goals and currently leading the team’s scoring charts. His flair and creativity have added a new dimension to Everton’s attack.
“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 teammates and help the club to achieve big and good things.”
With Everton showing signs of resurgence, Ndiaye and his teammates will be eager to continue their upward trajectory when they take on Leicester City this weekend.
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Caylin is a junior freelance writer from Durban, South Africa, who has a keen eye for football and cue sport related news. As a sportsman himself, he's driven to bring you factual and engaging sports news with careful attention to detail.