Iliman Ndiaye scores Everton's third goal against Chelsea in March 2026 (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Is it fatigue? A temporary dip in form? Or simply the weight of being Everton's main man? Whatever the reason, Iliman Ndiaye hasn't quite been the electrifying force we've come to expect in recent weeks.

Let's be clear—this isn't a criticism of the Senegalese star. Since joining Everton, Ndiaye has been nothing short of a revelation. With his silky dribbling, brilliant ball-carrying, and clinical finishing, he's the kind of player who can turn a game on its head in an instant. In fact, many believe the club should be rushing to tie him down to a new contract.

While he may not have the creative passing range of a Jack Grealish, Ndiaye more than compensates with his directness and flair. He's the spark in an otherwise workmanlike Everton side—the player fans look to when they need a moment of magic.

But lately, that spark has flickered. In the matches where Everton have needed him most, Ndiaye has struggled to hit his usual heights. And he's not alone. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, arguably Everton's signing of the season, has also seen his form dip after a relentless campaign.

The question many are asking: has David Moyes over-relied on his key men? Both Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall have been logging heavy minutes, and it's starting to show. Dewsbury-Hall is asked to do everything in midfield—from breaking up play to driving forward. Meanwhile, Ndiaye is expected to provide the flair and creativity almost single-handedly, especially with Grealish sidelined and Moyes rotating Harrison Armstrong, Dwight McNeil, and Merlin Röhl on the right.

With a crucial match against Sunderland on the horizon, Moyes has options. Many fans are calling for Tyrique George to be handed a start in this must-win fixture. As for Tyler Dibling? Well, hope is fading fast.

One thing's for sure: when Ndiaye is at his best, Everton are a different team. The challenge now is finding a way to get him back there.