Sheffield United might have missed out on the playoffs in the Championship but there was plenty to be positive about this season for the Blades fans.
One of the big bonuses to emerge from the season was the rise of forward, Iliman Ndiaye. The Senegal youngster was thrust into the first-team by Slavisa Jokanovic after signing a new deal at Bramall Lane. Since being given his chance, Ndiaye put in some fine performances and he finished the season strongly in Billy Sharp’s absence.
And now, according to Le Quotidien, Ndiaye is to be given his first senior call up to the Senegal squad. The Lions are managed by former Birmingham City midfielder, Aliou Cisse, who has been impressed with what he has seen from Ndiaye this season.
Ndiaye finished the campaign with seven goals in all competitions. Going into next season, there are high hopes among Blades fans that he can replace the departed Morgan Gibbs-White in a deeper number ten role.
Our View: Iliman Ndiaye Deserves Senegal Call, He’s Been Sensational
It’s easy to remember this is Ndiaye’s first full season in football we’ve just witnessed. To perform how he did, score the goals he got, and showcase his obvious talent under big pressure, shows just what a talent he is.
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Against Nottingham Forest, he was simply outstanding. Yes, he should have got on the scoresheet but Brice Samba had other ideas on the night. Other than that, Ndiaye was a nightmare for the Forest defence.
At the end of the day, Sheffield United will be building around the likes of Ndiaye for the future. His call up by Senegal is nothing more than he deserves. Hopefully, by rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sadio Mane and co, Ndiaye will improve further. And that, of course, can only benefit Sheffield United.