Idrissa Gueye delivers high praise to his Everton and Senegal teammate Iliman Ndiaye, expressing strong belief in the young forward’s potential and ambition during an interview published on Everton’s website.
Gueye describes Ndiaye as a winger who breaks open Premier League defences with ease, a view many Championship defenders share after facing him earlier in the season.
Ndiaye continues to impress for both club and country with four goals and one assist across 11 league appearances, but Gueye highlights the skill behind the numbers.
He admires the 25-year-old’s technique, creativity, and determination, and he sees those qualities every day on the training ground.
“I push him to give everything in every match,” Gueye says.
He encourages the younger player constantly and refers to himself as “a bit like his big brother.”
He believes Ndiaye can still show more and insists that unwavering self-belief and constant hard work will unlock his full potential. Gueye wants his teammate to chase big ambitions and raise his own expectations.
The midfielder also expresses a desire to see Ndiaye triumph on the international stage. “I hope he gets to experience winning the AFCON,” Gueye says, reflecting on Senegal’s historic first title and his wish to share that feeling with Ndiaye in the upcoming tournament.
Gueye admires Ndiaye’s personality as much as his talent. He calls him humble, warm, hardworking, and joyful, a presence who lifts teammates and respects everyone around him.
That combination of character and skill convinces Gueye that the forward can aim for the highest recognition.
“I told him he could be the next African Ballon d’Or winner. He has the talent, the technique, the know-how, everything.”
Ndiaye’s momentum arrives at the perfect moment. The former Sheffield United and Marseille attacker stands poised to play a central role for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations next month.
Gueye looks forward to competing alongside him again, hoping the pair can bring more pride to their country as they chase another continental title.
