Iliman Ndiaye has credited a renewed sense of determination for his resurgence at Everton following a disappointing campaign in France with Olympique de Marseille.
Speaking in a candid interview with Talents d’Afrique, the Senegal international opened up about his difficult year in Ligue 1 and how a return to English football helped reignite his form.
After struggling to meet expectations in Marseille, the attacking midfielder joined the Toffees and has since emerged as a key figure in their Premier League return campaign.
“I came here with a bit more aggression, because after the season I had last season, it wasn’t really the Iliman that people know,” Ndiaye said. “I don’t know how to explain it, it just wasn’t working there anymore.”
The former Sheffield United playmaker faced further adversity this season when he picked up an injury, but he refused to let that derail his ambitions. Instead, he returned to the pitch with renewed energy, going on to score eight league goals and playing a vital role in Everton’s promotion push.
Reflecting on key moments from his season, Ndiaye pointed to a specific turning point that helped rebuild his self-belief.
“My first Premier League goal, against Leicester, I think was a bit of a turning point for me, to get a bit more confidence. Then after that, there was the goal against Manchester City.”
Those goals, scored against formidable opponents, proved to be more than just statistics. For Ndiaye, they served as critical markers of progress, affirming his place at the top level of English football once again.
“When you play against big teams, you want to show off, you want to give your all,” he said. “Afterwards, I started scoring a few more goals. It helped the team get back to the top of the table and stay in the Premier League.”
A naturally versatile attacker, Ndiaye has played in various roles throughout his career, including as a No. 10, second striker, and false nine. However, during his time at Everton, he has begun to flourish in a more consistent role out wide.
“As an attacking player, you have to be comfortable. You have to know how to play anywhere in attack, whether it’s on the left, the right, or in midfield. I’ve always played as a number 10, or with two strikers, or a little further back from the strikers.
But I’m starting to get a lot of my bearings on the left wing. It’s getting easier. I’m comfortable. I’m starting to feel a little more comfortable on the left wing,” he added.
Now 24, Ndiaye’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Yet his time at Everton has provided him with not only a platform to perform but also a space to rebuild his identity as a player.
With his confidence restored and a clear role in the team, he has once again become the dynamic and creative force that earned him acclaim in England during his stint with Sheffield United.
As the Toffees prepare for life back in the top flight, Ndiaye’s revival stands as one of the season’s most compelling comeback stories—proof of what belief, resilience, and the right environment can unlock in a player determined to rediscover his best form.
