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“Kluivert 2.0”- Moyes must unleash “dynamite” star who’s Everton’s own version of Kluivert
Everton have been enjoying a successful spell under David Moyes, but all eyes are now on the upcoming week, which holds considerable significance for the club.
Three consecutive Premier League wins have created a comfortable gap between Everton and the relegation zone. However, fans will undoubtedly be eager for a victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup today, especially with Moyes back at the helm.
Moyes, a highly respected figure at Everton after leading the club through the 2000s, has yet to end the club’s long trophy drought, which stretches back to their 1995 FA Cup and subsequent Community Shield win.
Bournemouth, in excellent form under Andoni Iraola this season, have already beaten Everton twice in the league. Now, Moyes and his team will be looking to exact some revenge as they face one of the Premier League’s in-form sides.
Everton Team News Everton will need to bring their best to overcome Bournemouth’s stylish and dynamic side. While they suffered a loss to Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium last weekend, they had previously gone 11 league games unbeaten.
Due to a lack of fit forwards, Beto will once again lead the line, boosted by his brace in Everton’s 4-0 win over Leicester City. However, with next Wednesday’s Merseyside derby in mind, Moyes may make some changes, aiming to field a team capable of defeating the South Coast side.
James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam, who missed last week’s action due to injuries, could return to the fold. Dwight McNeil is still sidelined, meaning January signing Charly Alcaraz might make his debut, likely in a more attacking midfield role.
Everton’s recent record against Bournemouth has been poor, with seven losses in their last nine meetings. To change this, they’ll need to be on top form, with defensive stability crucial against such a fluid offensive team. Moyes will also be looking for his side to pack a punch, with Iliman Ndiaye poised to play a pivotal role.
How Iliman Ndiaye Can Hurt Bournemouth Everton signed Ndiaye from Marseille for £15m last summer, and the deal is looking increasingly savvy with each passing game.
Beto scored twice in the last match but has struggled to be consistently clinical since his £26m move from Udinese. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Armando Broja both injured, Ndiaye will need to step up and provide a goal threat from wide positions, especially as wingers Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom are yet to contribute a goal this season.
Though Sean Dyche was dismissed in January due to his inability to bring attacking flair to the team, Ndiaye has continued to impress, with pundits like Jamie Redknapp praising his “dynamite” talent. Under Moyes, Ndiaye has excelled, scoring in all three of the manager’s recent Premier League wins.
This sharpness will be crucial, as Bournemouth have performed well defensively this season, exceeding expectations in terms of expected goals against (xGA). Despite their attacking reputation under Iraola, they’ve proven solid at the back.
Ndiaye, who BBC Sport’s Oluwashina Okeleji called “Everton’s standout performer this season,” has scored six goals from 23 Premier League appearances, while also contributing with 2.5 dribbles and 6.3 successful duels per game. His all-around energy and skill will make him a key threat on the counter.
Of course, Everton will also need to deal with Bournemouth’s own dangerous winger, Justin Kluivert. The Dutchman has been brilliant this season, with 11 goals and four assists in 23 Premier League games.
While Kluivert leads the way for Bournemouth’s goal contributions, Ndiaye’s underlying stats and his impact on both attacking and defensive phases show his importance to Everton. Ndiaye has been playing in a more restrictive attacking system, yet still manages to score regularly, while Kluivert has scored six of his Premier League goals from the penalty spot. Ndiaye’s persistence with successful dribbles and his direct style make him a more consistent threat going forward.
It’s intriguing to imagine how Ndiaye would be utilized in Iraola’s attacking system, and he might even have been a stronger contender for Premier League Player of the Month for January than Kluivert.
As the Merseyside club looks to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for only the third time in nine seasons, Ndiaye’s timely form makes him a key player to watch. Despite playing a lot of football this season, his ability to stretch defences and his growing clinical edge suggest he could be the difference-maker in what promises to be a tight contest.
Kluivert will certainly be a focus of Everton’s defensive plans, but Moyes’ version of Ndiaye might just emerge as the match-winner.
