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IDRISSA GUEYE CONFIDENT EVERTON TEAMMATE OWNS QUALITIES FOR FUTURE GREATNESS

Senegal star Idrissa Gueye backs Everton teammate Iliman Ndiaye to win the Ballon d'Or. Gueye says the 25-year-old has a "unique combination" of talent and believes he can be the next African to win the prestigious award.

Idrissa Gueye confident Everton teammate owns qualities for future greatness
Iliman Ndiaye tipped to win the Ballon d'Or in future - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Iliman Ndiaye has the potential to be one of the best players in the world, according to Idrissa Gueye.

This season, the 25-year-old has dominated the Premier League, scoring four goals and dazzling defenders with his tricks on David Moyes' right flank.

Since the beginning of the season, several highlight clips of his matchday antics have gone viral as the larger football community begins to recognise his talent.

That talent might propel Ndiaye to the pinnacle of success, and possibly to the Ballon d'Or award that Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo previously controlled, according to Gueye, his teammate from Everton and Senegal. The only African player to win the coveted prize is George Weah.

"I challenge [Ndiaye] every game, every time we play," Gueye stated. I talk to him all the time. He listens a lot, is a good guy, and I am, in a sense, his grandbrother. I always thought he would succeed at Everton, and to be honest, I have not seen his best yet.

"I train with him every day, so I get to see his qualities and his potential every day. All he needs to do is have high standards for himself, believe in himself, and keep working hard. When he first came here, I told him that he had the qualities, the technique, the skills, and everything to be the next African Ballon d'Or winner. I have never seen a mix like his before.

After leaving Marseille in the summer of 2024, Ndiaye had a successful debut season on Merseyside. Since Moyes took over in January, his attacking abilities have become more apparent, and the Blues manager has given him more latitude to run at full-backs.

That was best demonstrated by his incredible solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur, which gave Moyes the first victory of his second season as Everton's manager.

And despite being transferred to the right wing this season, he has not turned around. His incredible solo performance at Sunderland is the pinnacle of a season in which his cunning has given teammates other incredible opportunities, including one against Manchester City.

Speaking to the Everton club's media, Gueye stated, "He is a modest man. A really nice person. He enjoys playing and joking with everyone, thus he is not shy. He is humble and never stops working hard, thus no one ever has an issue with him. Even in those early movies, you can tell how hard he works, which is a result of his constant desire to improve.

Moyes has expressed similar admiration for Ndiaye and his dedication both on and off the field. In a recent interview with the ECHO, Moyes acknowledged that his level of skill had taken him by surprise. When I first arrived, I was unsure if he would add objectives to our existing ones since he stated, "If your nines are not obtaining them, you are saying where else are we getting the goals?" Are our wingers entering the game or our centre-half scoring from set pieces?

I must admit that when I initially arrived, I wondered if Ili would provide us with enough goals. However, he has given us significant goals and assists, and I genuinely believe that he has improved.

Even if his performances are drawing attention, Moyes remains optimistic about Ndiaye's future at Everton. But the constant worry is how to deal with his and Gueye's absence when Senegal travels to Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations in December and January.

"I typically think that he has improved considerably," Moyes stated. We do not have to worry about that because he has a long-term contract here. We do like him, and he is a very pleasant youngster to deal with. He is low maintenance, plays the entire game, and never complains.

"He leaves with Senegal and returns to play, so from that perspective, he is a pretty decent child; therefore, we like him a lot."

PREMIER LEAGUE FACES LEGAL THREAT FROM PALMER AND MAINOO AGENCIES

Leading agencies CAA Base, CAA Stellar, and Wasserman are threatening to sue the Premier League over proposed new spending caps. The rules, including 'top to bottom anchoring', face a crucial vote and major opposition.

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Premier League hit with lawsuit threat - Action Image via Reuters

Three of the largest football agencies in England, CAA Base, CAA Stellar, and Wasserman, have vowed to sue the Premier League over proposed new spending regulations.

"Top to bottom anchoring" (TBA), one of the contentious new financial restrictions, would impose a salary limitation on all 20 teams in the English top flight, restricting the amount of money they could spend on players, including their salaries, agents' fees, and transfer fees.

The topic of substituting "squad cost ratios" (SCR) for profit and sustainability rules (PSR) will also be discussed. At the upcoming Premier League shareholders' meeting on Friday, a vote will be held to determine whether the plans are approved.

Leading law firm Clifford Chance has sent a letter formally opposing CAA Base, CAA Stellar, and Wasserman, whose combined client lists include Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, ahead of the crucial vote, according to The Athletic.

Both TBA and SCR, which would prohibit clubs from spending more than 85% of their annual revenue, were denounced by the three agencies. Additionally, they charged that the Premier League had developed these new rules without first consulting them.

The most recent overt opposition to the suggested modifications is the threat of legal action by the three leading agencies.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) president, Maheta Molango, pledged that the players' union will "take measures to contest the new rules if they are brought in."

"Clubs that see the modifications as a blatant trade restriction will likewise take action," the CEO continued. The anchoring measures have drawn criticism from competition experts since they lack precedent and will undoubtedly face legal challenges.

Several teams are believed to be voting against the expenditure changes, including Manchester United and City. A two-thirds majority of teams must support the idea in Friday's London vote for it to advance to the Premier League.

ANTOINE SEMENYO DECLARES COMMITMENT TO BOURNEMOUTH WHILE TRANSFER RUMOURS INTENSIFY

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo is a £75m target for Liverpool, Man City, and Man Utd after a stellar season. Despite the transfer links, the Ghana star says he is "happy" and committed to the Cherries for now.

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Semenyo stays devoted to Bournemouth - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth has been the subject of much rumour lately regarding a possible transfer. The Ghanaian international has made 11 appearances so far this season, scoring six goals and providing three assists. For a goal involvement every 110 minutes, that is good. A major factor in Bournemouth's successful start this season has been Semenyo's play.

Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Spurs are reportedly all vying for Semenyo, with some teams possibly hoping to finalise a deal during the January transfer window, according to reports from a number of sources over the past several days. Semenyo's desire to relocate this winter has also been hinted at in some stories. Semenyo recently told Sky Sports that he is aware of the rumours but that he is content with his current situation and dedicated to Bournemouth.

I do not give it much thought. I make every effort to be in the moment. You and I both constantly watch the news; I am not blind to it, but I make an effort to stay focused. I am having fun playing football here. All of that disappears if I am not scoring goals. I make an effort to be there, give the team my best effort, score goals, and deal with whatever comes up in the future.

There was a lot of interest and back and forth with the club when they [his old teammates] all went [in the summer]. However, I had a sneaking suspicion that the management had something planned for this year. We had a fantastic season finale last year, and we could keep going, especially with the guys we have added. We have gotten started like a house on fire, even if I was not really sure at first. I am happy I made the decision to stay here since I am having a great time.

Liverpool is naturally considering Semenyo as a long-term replacement for the Egyptian legend Mohamed Salah, who has been suffering this season. According to local transfer guru Dave OCKOP, Liverpool and Bournemouth are holding preliminary exploratory discussions over a summer deal. Although Bournemouth would undoubtedly like to hang onto the player, the team has a track record of making money off of players they purchase at a discount. Semenyo was first acquired by the Cherries in 2023 for £10.5 million, and a few years later, they are aiming for about £75 million. Semenyo was first recruited to Bournemouth by Richard Hughes, the current sporting director of Liverpool.

Tim Bezbatchenko, the club's current general manager, has said that when the "big" clubs approach, Bournemouth will always have to listen to agreements. In an interview with the Business of Sport podcast, he stated that as long as Bournemouth can benefit fairly, the club will not obstruct players' moves.

Who are we to say, 'No, you can not travel, you can not fulfil your ambition,' when teams like Real Madrid, Liverpool, and PSG enter the race for Champions League spots? Since not everyone is a Real Madrid supporter, it would not be that way for every club. However, there is a chance, and everyone benefits, right? That, in my opinion, is what we are looking for—a shared experience where everyone benefits.

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