Why Arsenal fans should be excited about Iliman Ndiaye…from a fan who watched him up close for 2 years
Iliman Ndiaye might not be the name at the top of every Arsenal fans wishlist this summer but trust me, he is on their list for a reason.
Ndiaye has starred ever since coming through the system with Boreham Wood and then breaking into the Sheffield United team. From there, he moved to boyhood club Marseille before landing a move to Premier League regulars, Everton.
At Everton, it’s been little surprise to those who saw him in the red and white of Sheffield United as to how good he has been.
And with that in mind, your writer of this article is here to tell you just how good Iliman Ndiaye is and can be.
Iliman Ndiaye can shine for Arsenal, I’ve seen it up close and personal
Sheffield United have a rich history of producing young talent and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to see the likes of Phil Jagielka, Billy Sharp, Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and more all emerge from the academy before earning moves away.
However, there was something noticeably different about Iliman Ndiaye when he first his first start under then boss, Slavisa Jokanovic, back in 2021.
That day, Ndiaye formed a lethal partnership with Morgan Gibbs-White as the Blades ran riot against Peterborough, winning 6-2, with Ndiaye bagging twice.
From that day forward, the writing was on the wall as to how good Ndiaye is.
Game after game, Ndiaye lit up both Bramall Lane and away stadiums. He was the driving force behind a late playoff charge under Paul Heckingbottom, before really coming into his own in the 22/23 season.
That year, alongside Oli McBurnie at the top of the pitch, I witnessed a player who in simple terms, was far, far too good for the Championship. Memorably solo goals away at Fulham – he ran from his own half – as well as the eye-catching winner against Tottenham in the FA Cup, very much announced Ndiaye to the country.
It was little surprise that season saw the Blades promoted, and it was Ndiaye, through his relentless pressing and calmness under pressure, who laid on the goal for Sander Berge against West Brom to send United up again.
Iliman Ndiaye might be Sheffield United’s most talented player ever
For a lot of Sheffield United fans, especially the younger generation, Iliman Ndiaye is easily the best player they’ve ever seen.
At nearly 40, this writer has seen plenty of talent and while not old to remember the likes of Tony Currie in his prime, Ndiaye tops my list.
What stands out so much about Ndiaye aside from his obvious skills, is the workrate he has. In the modern era of teams pressing from the front, there cannot be many who do it better than Ndiaye.
In my view, he is simply the Blades’ best ever player. It’s not even in doubt.
As for signing for Arsenal, it feels like he was destined to sign for a very top Premier League club.
In terms of what the Gunners are looking for, he fits. He can press, create, score goals, play off the left, right or down the middle, and he’s young enough to further improve.
Rest assured, if Ndiaye is a player Arsenal end up going for, then Gunners fans are in for a treat.