Everton targeted the transfer of Iliman Ndiaye in the January window. Now, the striker has stunned Clinton Morrison after scoring as Sheffield United beat Tottenham in the FA Cup.
The Blades booked a place in the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win against Spurs on Wednesday night. Ndiaye (79’) struck home for his Championship club with a great late winner. The 22-year-old weaved his way through the Premier League team’s backline before drilling home.
Ndiaye seized on a loose ball in the corner of Tottenham’s area under pressure from Pedro Porro. Yet the six-cap Senegal star dispatched Spurs’ new £44m wing-back with the utmost ease. He then ghosted through Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Davinson Sanchez to find the net.
Eric Dier made little effort to block Ndiaye’s strike as Oliver Skipp tried, in vain, to close the substitute down. The France-born forward had only been on the field for six minutes when he beat Fraser Forster. He now has 11 goals over 37 outings in all competitions this season.
Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom opted to start Ndiaye on his bench with the attacker vital to their promotion bid. He has scored 10 and assisted seven goals during 33 Championship games. No Blades player has more assists while just Oliver McBurnie (11) has scored more.
Everton transfer target Ndiaye stunned Morrison as Sheffield United beat Tottenham
Ndiaye astounded Morrison with his goal for Sheffield United to beat Tottenham in the FA Cup. He captivated the former Republic of Ireland star with his ability to throw Porro aside.
“It’s a brilliant goal,” Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live. “The close control is fantastic. He goes past Porro like he wasn’t there. He’s an outstanding player, Ndiaye. It’s a brilliant goal.”
Ndiaye’s effort as Sheffield United beat Tottenham in the FA Cup also showed why Everton targeted his transfer in January. Sky Sports reported the Toffees bid £25m plus add-ons for the striker. But Blades owner Prince Abdullah refused to sell one of the club’s prize assets.
Everton refused to increase their offer for Ndiaye’s transfer after Sheffield United rejected their initial bid. The Goodison Park hierarchy’s decision may now prove costly with no club scoring fewer goals in the Premier League this term. The Toffees only have 17 in 25 games.
Demarai Gray and Anthony Gordon are also the Merseyside natives’ top scorers so far this season with three goals each. Even though Gordon joined Newcastle United in January for £40m, plus £5m in add-ons. Now, Ndiaye is showing he can cut it against top-flight teams.
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