Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has declared his affection for playing alongside Iliman Ndiaye and expressed confidence that the winger will remain at Everton.
With Ndiaye having rejected multiple contract renewal proposals throughout the year and subsequently voiced his ambition to feature in Champions League competition, speculation regarding his future has dominated headlines this summer. Nevertheless, Everton have maintained firm resolve that the 26-year-old will not be sold.
The Senegal international demonstrated precisely why the club are so determined to retain him by delivering an outstanding display in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
His excellent delivery enabled Thierno Barry to nod in the second goal after Dewsbury-Hall had broken the deadlock with a powerful strike.
Dewsbury-Hall expressed that he thoroughly enjoys playing with Ndiaye, describing him as one of his favourite footballers and praising the remarkable accuracy of his cross which placed the ball perfectly for Barry. He noted that Ndiaye ranks among the league’s finest performers when at his best, and emphasized how much he values having him as a teammate while also admiring his modest nature, family-oriented approach and dedicated work ethic.
Regarding the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ndiaye’s situation, Dewsbury-Hall acknowledged that such interest comes naturally for elite performers. He expressed optimism about constructing something meaningful at the club by retaining all their top talents, with aspirations to compete in European competition within the coming years. He indicated his intention to savour the current situation while confident the player will remain.
Earlier last month, Ndiaye’s father Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye conveyed that his son was staying put after receiving a phone call from him. Subsequently, when Everton published images of the player rejoining his teammates for training in Germany following an extended break after the World Cup, international colleague Idrissa Gueye responded with words to the effect that he was remaining at the club. Gueye himself departed Goodison Park this summer after completing seven years of service across two separate stints.
During his pre-match media obligations before the Crystal Palace encounter, David Moyes was questioned about the possibility of Ndiaye departing before the transfer window closed. The Everton manager responded definitively in the negative, adding that only an extraordinary circumstance might prompt a change. He stated that while the common phrase suggests everyone has a valuation, he places no value on Ndiaye leaving. Moyes insisted that throughout his tenure, there has never been any suggestion the player would depart and expressed bewilderment at the source of such reports, stating he had no memory of the various matters being discussed.