How Iliman Ndiaye’s Injury Could Derail Everton’s Progress

Iliman Ndiaye’s injury will likely hinder Everton’s push for a top-half-of-the-league finish. While finishing that high would have been inconceivable just a month ago the Toffees now sit 14th, 11 points away from a Europe spot and 13 points above the relegation zone. But their incredible run of form has come off the back of a new-look attack, heavily influenced by the now-injured Senegalese international.

Iliman Ndiaye’s Injury Could Derail Evertons Top Form

How David Moyes Built The Everton Attack Around Iliman Ndiaye

Ndiaye’s ability on the ball has created havoc for opposition defenders all season. He has been Everton’s most impactful player going forward, this is despite the defensive outlook for the team for the majority of the season. With the ball at his feet, not many are better. Only Mohammed Kudus has more successful take-ons than Ndiaye in the Premier League this season.

But under Moyes, the winger unlocked a new level of play. The manager has the former Sheffield United playing in an inside forward role. This has allowed Vitaliy Mykolenko to provide support outside, often taking a defender with him and leaving Ndiaye in a one-on-one situation. The shift inside plays into his best strengths, getting the ball to his feet and allowing the rest of the team to play around him.

The left side has been Everton’s main outlet for counterattacks, Ndiaye often being the first option for any attack. The best example of his ability was this goal against Spurs that saw him use his speed and dribbling to create a chance from almost nothing at halfway. He is also the team’s highest scorer in the league, with six goals, three of those since Moyes’ arrival.

Evertons Lack of Other Options Going Forward

Ndiaye’s knee injury will likely see him miss the rest of the season, his absence has highlighted the club’s lack of depth in the wing position. The other first-choice winger was Dwight McNeil, who has also suffered a season-ending knee injury.

This leaves Everton with just Jesper Lindstrom and Jack Harrison as the team’s only fit true wingers. The duo have a total of 0 goal contributions between them.

But what the Toffees will miss most is the injured duo’s ability to advance the ball up the field. The two have combined for roughly a third of the team’s total progressive carries in the league this season.

While the Goodison faithful will be happy to be out of the relegation battle a push further up the table will be hard with the injuries that the squad has suffered. But Moyes has shown an ability to innovate when needed and could help Lindstrom and Harrison return to their best.