Jack O’Connell has been singing the praises of Iliman Ndiaye after the Sheffield United forward inspired Saturday’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield.
The Blades returned to action with three points in what was a dogged performance at Bramall Lane. United got the lead when Billy Sharp dinked in from a brilliant Ndiaye pass. The Senegal star turning on halfway before feeding the United skipper for his first of the season.
Ndiaye’s future is now the biggest concern for most Sheffield United fans. The forward has been outstanding but with a contract only signed until 2024, there is a worry he could be sold in January.
And speaking to SUTV, United defender O’Connell believes keeping Ndiaye fit will be key for United’s promotion hopes.
RONALDO, BALE AND 5 FAILED PREMIER LEAGUE HOMECOMINGS
“He’s class. We’ve spoke about him so much. He’s got the world at his feet but he’s a humble kid as well and that will take him a long way,” O’Connell said.
“100% if we keep Ili fit, he’s going to be one of the reasons we get promoted, if we do get promoted, he’s that good. He can win games on his own. You’ve seen today with that ball Billy didn’t even have to take a touch it was class by Ili.”
United play again a week today. Paul Heckingbottom had a number of positives from the game with Huddersfield, including a return for Sander Berge, who was linked with Liverpool once more this weekend.
Sheff U News View: Ndiaye can fire United to the Premier League
There can’t be a better player, in terms of pure talent, than Iliman Ndiaye in the Championship right now.
He is that good and, on his day, which he has a lot of, he seems to waltz past defenders. He did it against Huddersfield, almost embarrassing the two Town defenders just before he slipped Sharp in.
If Ndiaye keeps fit and keeps in the goals and assists, then this United team goes up. From there, who knows when it comes to his future. But it will be job done in the short-term, and that’s all the Blades fans can ask for now really.
