Over the last few weeks, the Chelsea team have looked toothless and without any real quality in the final third of the pitch. That is remarkable when you have someone like Cole Palmer. Unfortunately, the Englishman has not quite been himself this season. He looks unconfident and slow at this point in time, without any conviction in his decision-making and missing the instinctive nature of his game that made him one of the best in the Premier League.
Chelsea fans will be hoping that it returns in the near future. Palmer has had to play constant football for three seasons and it looks like that has taken its toll. Unfortunately, this is not unknown in the game today. Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao is facing similar issues.
It goes to show though that Chelsea need someone other than Palmer to make something happen. And it appears they have one of the most exciting players in the Premier League on their radar.
Of course, we are talking about none other than Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye. The 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most inventive players in the Premier League. The last of his kind, who can get the fans out of their seats at any moment. And Chelsea could be looking to use one of their current players as part of a swap deal to sign him.
Chelsea eyeing move for Iliman Ndiaye of Everton
According to The Chelsea Chronicle, journalist Simon Phillips wrote regarding the situation of Ndiaye and a potential move from the Blues in the summer:
“SPTC Sources have heard that the club are now seriously tracking Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye ahead of a possible approach this summer.
“At this point in time, it’s unclear how attainable he will be this summer. But Chelsea are now weighing up testing the waters for the 26-year-old, and they know that Chelsea have some players that Everton like – one being Liam Delap. Players could be used as a bargaining tool if The Blues decide to push for him.
“At this moment, it’s just Chelsea tracking and pondering a move. But he is a player that the club would really like to try and bring in.”
Ndiaye has six goals and three assists to his name in the Premier League this season. He is capable of playing on both wings as well. So, someone like him could be a very good addition to this Chelsea side, which needs somebody to make things happen.
Would Ndiaye be a good fit?
Ndiaye is proven in the Premier League. He is someone who entertains the fans in general. This is the type of signing that will go down well, if Chelsea can make it. And who knows, perhaps there is another level to his game if he plays for a team looking to compete for trophies.
Of course, as things stand, Chelsea are a long way from doing that. But with the right additions in the summer, and perhaps a managerial change, that could change. You never know.
Would he be a good fit? We will only know if we see him in the Royal Blue jersey someday. One thing is for sure though, he brings a very unique profile. He is one of the great entertainers in the Premier League and is in the 98th percentile for successful dribbles. But then, he has some of the best defensive numbers as well. He falls in the 98th percentile for defensive contributions, tackles and recoveries, and 97th percentile for possession won in the final third!
