England international Jack Grealish has stirred debate by identifying Everton colleague Iliman Ndiaye as the most skillful player in the English Premier League, placing him above established stars like Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer. Grealish, who joined Everton on loan from Manchester City for the 2025/26 season, shared his perspective during an appearance on a Stan Sport podcast this Friday.
While Grealish acknowledged the world-class status of players like Arsenal’s Saka, he made a sharp distinction between overall effectiveness and “pure skill.” He argued that Ndiaye possesses a unique ability to manipulate the ball in tight spaces that sets him apart from his peers.
“Saka, for example, is so good, one of the best wingers in the world. But he is not skillful. Palmer has pure skills. Iliman Ndiaye is the most skillful player in the Premier League.”
The Rise of “Skiliman” at Everton
Iliman Ndiaye has become a vital component of David Moyes’ attacking setup since his transfer from Marseille in 2024. The 25-year-old Senegalese playmaker has recorded four goals and two assists in 18 appearances this season, often operating in central roles or on the flank to link play. Grealish emphasized that Ndiaye’s futsal-like ball control allows him to thrive in high-pressure areas where other wingers might struggle without significant space to run into.
Support from Teammates
Grealish wasn’t the only Everton player to praise Ndiaye’s technical prowess. Former Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who also joined the Toffees this summer, echoed Grealish’s sentiments. Dewsbury-Hall suggested that while Cole Palmer is “silky” and uses his body well, Ndiaye’s raw trickery is on another level.
Despite his importance, Everton will have to navigate their upcoming fixtures, including a high-stakes clash against league-leading Arsenal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, without Ndiaye. The playmaker has recently departed for Morocco to represent Senegal in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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