Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish has delivered striking praise for Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye, describing him as the most skillful wide player currently competing in the Premier League. The England international’s comments have sparked fresh debate about individual flair versus overall effectiveness in England’s top flight.
Grealish’s assessment stands out not only for its boldness, but also because it places Ndiaye above more established names, including Arsenal star Bukayo Saka, widely regarded as one of the league’s elite attackers.
Jack Grealish’s Honest Assessment of Premier League Wingers
Speaking during an interview with Stan Sport Football, Grealish was asked which winger has impressed him most in the Premier League this season. Rather than choosing a high-profile name from a title-contending side, Grealish surprised many by singling out Everton’s Ndiaye.
“Ndiaye is the most skillful player in the Premier League,” Grealish said. “In terms of pure skill, yes. I’m not saying he’s the best overall player, but when it comes to skill, he’s unbelievable.”
Grealish was careful to clarify that his praise was focused on technical ability rather than all-round impact. However, his words still carried weight, given his own reputation as one of the league’s most gifted dribblers.
Comparing Ndiaye and Bukayo Saka
During the interview, Grealish also addressed comparisons between Ndiaye and Bukayo Saka, a player who has become a key figure for both Arsenal and England in recent seasons.
“Saka is an incredible player, one of the best wingers in the world,” Grealish explained. “But he’s not a pure skill-based player.”
According to Grealish, the difference lies in how each player influences the game. Saka’s strength comes from decision-making, end product, and consistency at the highest level. Ndiaye, on the other hand, thrives on improvisation, close control, and his ability to beat opponents in confined spaces.
This distinction highlights a broader discussion within modern football: whether raw technical brilliance should be valued as highly as tactical discipline and output.
Grealish’s Perspective Shaped by His Own Journey
Grealish’s comments are particularly interesting given his own circumstances this season. The former Aston Villa captain joined Everton on loan from Manchester City for the 2025/26 campaign, seeking regular minutes and a fresh challenge.
Under the guidance of David Moyes, Grealish has shown flashes of his best form, contributing creativity and experience to Everton’s attack. Despite his positive displays, the 30-year-old was quick to downplay any suggestion that he should be considered the league’s top winger.
His humility adds credibility to his praise of Ndiaye, suggesting the assessment was based purely on admiration rather than self-comparison.
Why Iliman Ndiaye Stands Out Technically
Grealish went further by comparing Ndiaye to former Manchester City teammate Jeremy Doku, another winger celebrated for his explosiveness and flair.
“With Doku, you probably wouldn’t put him in a small-sided game like futsal,” Grealish explained. “But Ndiaye doesn’t need space at all.”
According to Grealish, Ndiaye’s greatest strength is his ability to operate in tight areas, escaping pressure with minimal room to maneuver. While players like Doku and Saka excel when given space to accelerate, Ndiaye thrives even when surrounded by defenders.
“Wherever he is on the pitch, he can get in and out quickly,” Grealish added. “Doku needs space to use his speed. The same goes for Saka.”
This ability to function in congested areas makes Ndiaye particularly valuable against deep defensive blocks, a common challenge for teams outside the Premier League’s elite.
Everton’s Standout Performer This Season
Ndiaye’s performances have not gone unnoticed. The Senegal international has been widely regarded as Everton’s most consistent and influential player throughout the season, providing creativity in a side often reliant on defensive solidity.
His dribbling, ball retention, and unpredictability have offered Everton a crucial attacking outlet, especially in matches where opportunities are limited. For a team battling to climb the table, Ndiaye’s ability to change the rhythm of a game has been invaluable.
Supporters at Goodison Park have quickly embraced him, viewing him as a rare source of flair in a league increasingly dominated by structured systems.
Transfer Interest Begins to Grow
With the January transfer window approaching, Ndiaye’s form has inevitably attracted attention from larger clubs. Reports suggest that Chelsea are among the teams monitoring his situation closely, impressed by his technical qualities and versatility across the front line.
Should serious offers arrive, Everton may face a difficult decision. Losing Ndiaye mid-season would be a significant blow, particularly given his importance to Moyes’ tactical setup. However, substantial interest from top clubs could test Everton’s resolve, especially if the player expresses a desire to take the next step in his career.
Skill Versus Status in the Premier League
Grealish’s comments have reignited debate over how players are evaluated in the Premier League. While stars like Saka deliver numbers and trophies, players such as Ndiaye remind fans of football’s artistic side—those moments of improvisation that defy structure.
Whether or not Ndiaye is officially crowned the league’s most skillful winger, Grealish’s endorsement has placed him firmly in the spotlight. As the season progresses and transfer speculation intensifies, all eyes will be on whether Everton can retain their prized asset—or if the Premier League’s most skillful winger is destined for a bigger stage.
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