“He Is Absolutely Incredible” – Alan Shearer Blown Away by 25-Year-Old Everton Star Iliman Ndiaye’s Transformation Under David Moyes
Everton’s remarkable resurgence under David Moyes has captured the attention of football fans and pundits alike, but one player, in particular, has left Premier League legend Alan Shearer in awe: 25-year-old Senegalese winger Iliman Ndiaye. Shearer, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, described Ndiaye’s performances as “absolutely incredible,” praising the young star’s transformation into a pivotal figure for the Toffees. With Everton climbing to 14th in the Premier League table, safely 13 points clear of the relegation zone, Ndiaye’s flair, work rate, and goal-scoring prowess have made him the darling of Goodison Park and a symbol of Moyes’ revitalized squad.
When David Moyes returned to Everton in January 2025, the club was mired in a relegation battle, with a lackluster attack and dwindling fan morale. Fast forward to April, and the Blues are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches, with Ndiaye emerging as the heartbeat of their attacking renaissance. Signed from Marseille for £15 million in the summer of 2024, Ndiaye initially struggled for consistency under Sean Dyche, but Moyes’ arrival has unlocked the 25-year-old’s potential, turning him into one of the league’s most exciting talents.
Shearer’s praise came after Ndiaye’s standout performances, particularly in Everton’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham on January 19, 2025, where he scored a stunning goal to double the Toffees’ lead. “His run from the middle of the park was incredible, leaving Spurs players in his dust before firing past the goalkeeper,” Shearer remarked, stunned that Ndiaye was overlooked for the Premier League Team of the Week despite his heroics. The winger’s ability to combine blistering pace, deft dribbling, and clinical finishing has seen him notch six goals in 24 appearances this season, a tally that underscores his growing importance to Everton’s survival and ambitions.
Moyes’ tactical acumen has been key to Ndiaye’s transformation. By deploying him as a dynamic winger with the freedom to cut inside and exploit spaces, Moyes has allowed Ndiaye to showcase his versatility and flair. “Moyes just has a real knack of understanding the club and getting the best out of players,” a Goodison News report noted, highlighting how Ndiaye, alongside new signings like Carlos Alcaraz, has found a new lease of life under the Scotsman’s management.
Shearer isn’t alone in his admiration for Ndiaye. Everton fans have taken to social media, particularly X, to express their delight, with posts like “Ndiaye is pure magic – Moyes has turned him into a superstar” and “Iliman is the spark we’ve been missing for years.” The Senegalese star’s ability to electrify Goodison Park, as seen in his goal against Tottenham that “sent the home crowd absolutely mental,” has endeared him to supporters desperate for a hero after years of struggle.
Ndiaye’s journey to this point has been one of resilience. Born in Rouen, France, to a Senegalese father and French mother, he honed his skills at Sheffield United, where he dazzled in the Championship before earning a move to Marseille. His time in Ligue 1 was inconsistent, but his £15 million transfer to Everton has proven a masterstroke, with Moyes now reaping the rewards of his raw talent. At 25, Ndiaye is entering his prime, and his performances suggest he could be a cornerstone of Everton’s new era at their Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium next season.
Shearer’s glowing verdict on Ndiaye is part of a broader narrative of Everton’s transformation under Moyes. The former Newcastle striker, initially skeptical about Moyes’ return, admitted on Match of the Day that he was wrong, saying, “What an incredible job he has done and is doing.” Everton’s nine-match unbeaten run earlier this season, coupled with victories over teams like Crystal Palace and Tottenham, has fueled dreams of a top-half finish, with Ndiaye at the forefront of those ambitions.
For Ndiaye, the challenge now is to maintain his form and help Everton push for European qualification, a goal that seemed unthinkable just months ago. With Moyes backed by the Friedkin Group’s investment and a summer rebuild looming, Ndiaye’s “absolutely incredible” performances could be the foundation for a new golden era at Goodison Park. As Shearer put it, “He’s a constant threat, and his attitude is brilliant.” For Everton fans, Iliman Ndiaye is not just a player – he’s the embodiment of hope and the spark that could light up their future.
