Iliman Ndiaye’s future, Everton’s move to Hill Dickinson Stadium and David Moyes’ achievements have all been discussed by Marco Materazzi
Iliman Ndiaye doesn’t need to leave Everton with The Friedkin Group able to fulfil his ambitions at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
That’s the view of a former Blues star who made his first visit to watch his old club play at their new 52,769 capacity home on the Mersey waterfront on Saturday when the Senegal international’s wonder-strike sealed a 3-0 win over Chelsea.
It was Ndiaye’s first goal from open play at the ground since he made history by netting the opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 24 in the club’s inaugural competitive fixture, having grabbed Everton’s last two goals at Goodison Park against Southampton on May 18.
A report from the Athletic last September stated Ndiaye was the subject of a £40million bid from Internazionale – a claim that David Moyes has repeatedly denied – but a star who would feature for the Italian giants after earlier turning out for the Blues reckons the Senegal international should stay put.
World Cup winner Marco Materazzi, who became Everton’s first Italian player when he turned out for them in the 1998/99 season, told Hajper: “Iliman Ndiaye is so fast, so technical and it’s not easy for anyone to keep up with him man-to-man.
“I saw him score one amazing goal against Chelsea and he played so well so I think he’s happy at Everton. At the end of the game, watching him around the pitch, he looked happy.
“In football you never know what can happen, but I don’t think Everton need the money. Their new owners have a lot of money.
“They want to take Everton to the top of the table. Everton could even get into the Champions League this season.
“I don’t know if they have enough matches left to do it, but they are in a great position. Why would Iliman Ndiaye even need to leave Everton?”
It’s almost 27 years since the now 52-year-old Materazzi departed the Blues after making just 33 appearances – he finished with more red cards than goals (three to two) – but the Lecce-born centre-back looks back fondly on his first spell abroad.
He said: “I was at the Hill Dickinson Stadium for Everton’s win over Chelsea and the day before I went to Goodison Park to take a picture for my book which is coming out in one month.
“I have been all around Europe to take pictures of the stadiums from my career in Berlin, Perugia and of course the San Siro. It was a good memory being back at Goodison Park because I was in the dressing room and I was remembering my life in Liverpool, but the city has changed so much.
“It was totally different when I was there. It was good to relive my memories at Goodison Park but what an experience to be back in the city of Liverpool to see Hill Dickinson Stadium and how everything has changed.”
Materazzi also praised manager David Moyes for the job he is doing. The 62-year-old, who steered Everton to nine top-eight finishes during his first spell, including a highest-ever Premier League placing of fourth in 2004/05, has guided them to within three points of a Champions League spot despite the team having been just one point above the relegation when he returned at the midway point of last season.
However, despite being signed by Moyes’ compatriot Walter Smith, the Italian seems to have overlooked the Blues’ boss status as a proud Scot who has repeatedly insisted he would never get involved in the Three Lions set-up.
Materazzi said: “David Moyes has done an amazing job at Everton and they are playing very well too.
“They know what they have to do. If you want to beat a team like Chelsea, you have to have a manager the players listen to, and he will have told them what they had to do, and they did it.
“I was in the stands. I saw everything so high up. The strategy from Everton against Chelsea was fantastic. They did a very good job.
“I think David Moyes did a very good job before with Everton. He was unlucky at Manchester United to come in after Sir Alex Ferguson.
“It’s not easy for anyone to do that. Only Jose Mourinho has filled that job.
“Now he’s back at Everton, I think he’s finishing the job he started, so why not make him manager of the season? I think he could even be the England manager in the future.”