Everton star Iliman Ndiaye has admitted David Moyes has taught them to ‘play in a team’ and changed a lot in the short time since his return.
The forward has been speaking to Sene. News about life at Goodison Park to date, which inevitably meant a conversation about his new manager.
Moyes made his return to Goodison Park earlier this month after Sean Dyche reportedly told owners the Friedkins that he felt he could not take the team further.
He was quickly removed from his duties and Moyes returned, something which has proven to be a smart choice for Everton so far as they’ve pushed away from the relegation zone thanks to wins over Tottenham and Brighton.
Several Everton players have already commented on the changes Moyes has made since replacing Dyche, indicating that he’s gone for a more attacking approach than his predecessor, who had prioritised safety above all else during his reign.
That approach has certainly gone down well in his first three games and Ndiaye admits the changes have been major behind the scenes.
“For the short time he spent here, he helped us become mentally stronger and play in a team,” he said.
“It helps each of us give the best of ourselves, for us and for the club. So, yes, it changed a lot in a short time.”
Everton’s hopes of success will undoubtedly rest on Ndiaye, who has proven to be the club’s best piece of business for a long time this season.
The forward has been the undoubted star of an otherwise miserable campaign, with his technical ability standing out even as the team suffered offensively under Dyche.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin now set for an extended spell on the sidelines, Dwight McNeil facing surgery and Everton’s attacking options limited at best, the pressure is on him to produce more consistently. He, though, isn’t concerned by that.
“The number ten is just a number. I don’t think there is pressure,” he added.
“I know that all the players I am with a chance, and that’s why I have mine. I don’t feel any pressure. I just play my game to help my teammates and help the club do great things.”
The opportunity to do so will come this weekend, with Everton hosting fellow strugglers Leicester City at Goodison Park.
The game is very much a relegation six pointer, with Everton currently six points ahead of the Foxes, who sit one point outside the relegation zone in 17th place. A win would, of course, open that gap to nine points and potentially 10 on the bottom three. It could even move Everton above 15th placed Tottenham.
The pressure is on to secure all three points, but Ndiaye says there is confidence in the group after the win over Brighton.
“Everyone is ready because it is a very important match for us,” he concluded.
“We have a chance to go forward, and everyone feels confident. We have two consecutive victories, and it is normal that it gives us confidence. Everyone is ready, and everyone works hard.”
