Iliman Ndiaye was the star of the show for Sheffield United last night as they went to league leaders Fulham and came away with a brilliant 1-0 victory.
It was Ndiaye’s stunning goal in the opening minutes that settled the tie. The Blades youngster was thrust back into the first XI despite missing out in recent weeks, but took his chance brilliantly. His goal was a fantastic piece of individual brilliance, but as Paul Heckingbottom said, it was his overall work-rate and performance which caught the eye as well.
For Sheffield United, it’s a huge result. It’s now four wins on the bounce and the Blades are just three points off the play off places. And with Ndiaye performing as he is, there is every chance that top six spot can be claimed.
Eye Catching
While there was a number of fine performances, including that of Jack Robinson at the back, it was Ndiaye who impressed the onlooking Kevin Gage. The former Blades star was watching the game for SUTV Live, and he believes United have got a real player on their hands.
“He’s just the king of the dribble. He can go on these mazy runs and he just keeps going. He’s got such quick feet and just drives at people. A one track mind when he gets the ball. He’s just a fabulous, fabulous player,” Gage said.
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“We’ve seen it flashes in earlier parts of the season so we know he’s got it in him. This will do him the world of good, he’s just a great threat to have going forward.”
The finish was Ndiaye’s third of the season and his first since the double against Peterborough. With David McGoldrick the man to miss out at Fulham after being in fine form himself, Paul Heckingbottom now has a big call on his hands.
Our View: More To Come From Iliman Ndiaye
Kevin Gage is spot on here with his assessment. The United youngster is just such a threat and we are lucky to have him in the ranks.
Rob Kozluk, who was also watching on, was also impressed with Ndiaye. He commented on the standard of opposition that Ndiaye had just produced against. And if you can do it against the league leaders, then you can do it against anyone else in this division.
Let’s hope this is the start of a good run for Iliman Ndiaye. If he can produce the goods, keep in the goals, and work as hard as he did last night, then the Blades have a superstar on their hands.