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Iliman Ndiaye 'really dangerous' on Man City debut, one stat will surprise Everton fans
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- Iliman Ndiaye 'really dangerous' on Man City debut, one stat will surprise Everton fans
Iliman Ndiaye enjoyed a positive debut for Manchester City on Saturday as they beat Coventry City 1-0 at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland's first-half strike was enough to separate the sides, with both goalkeepers making several saves.
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The 26-year-old completed his £65million move from Everton on transfer deadline day, after his proposed move to Tottenham had collapsed.
Ndiaye scored six Premier League goals last season for the Toffees, but is is hoped that a role in Enzo Maresca's squad will see him grow to a new level.
Enzo Fernandez was also making his debut for Man City following his £125m move from Chelsea on deadline day, with Ayyoub Bouaddi awarded a home debut off the bench.
Maresca's side have now begun the season with three consecutive Premier League victories, as they aim to close the gap on Arsenal.
Iliman Ndiaye 'played as well as anyone'
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Ndiaye ultimately left Everton for a fee far below what many expected. With three years remaining on his contract, decision-makers were tipped to hold out for £80m.
But financial demands appear to have proved decisive, with the winger's exit following the cancellation of a proposed £40m move to Nottingham Forest for Harrison Armstrong.
Man City have benefited, and Ndiaye gave a taste of what he is all about on Saturday with an impressive 87 minutes on the pitch.
The Senegal international created a chance and took a shot, but it was his willingness to run at his man that caught the eye.
Ndiaye attempted seven dribbles and completed two, being fouled twice and attempting four crosses.
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The 26-year-old stuck to his defensive task, too, winning two tackles, making a clearance, a recovery and, rather surprisingly for Everton regulars, winning seven duels.
"Ndiaye looks really dangerous, especially in one-on-one situations and this game really suits him. He is playing as well as anyone at the moment," former Wolves manager Rob Edwards told Match of the Day.
Man City are favourites ahead of Arsenal to win Premier League after 'amazing' signing - Insider What has Enzo Maresca said about Ndiaye?
There were certainly points of improvement that Ndiaye will take from his debut, but it is immediately obvious what Man City have gained.
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The winger will run at his opponent relentlessly, creating the type of chaos which ultimately leads to chances.
Ndiaye can play on the left or the right, and will be an incredibly dangerous option to bring off the bench once Jeremy Doku has returned.
"He's so good, he's so good," said Maresca when he was asked about the winger's arrival.
"In the last two days, you can see already how good he is in terms of 1v1, in terms of in the last third, inside the box. I'm very happy to have him with us."
