Everton Star Iliman Ndiaye on How Senegal Teammates Have Made Him ‘Explode’ Ahead of Harambee Stars Clash

Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye says his resurgence on and off the pitch is powered by the support of his Senegal national team teammates.

Ndiaye has established himself as a key player for club and country, and it is a  a boost he will be leaning on as the Lions prepare to face Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars in Turkey.

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Ndiaye, 25, joined Everton from Marseille on a five-year deal in 2024. The move marked a return to English football after a standout promotion campaign with Sheffield United. 

Internationally, the forward has started making a big impact for Senegal, and he says it’s the collective strength of his teammates that’s helped him “explode.” 

Speaking ahead of their clash with Brazil in England on Saturday, a game they lost 2-0, Ndiaye attributed his growth to a number of factors.

“It’s all about hard work … I work every day to improve mentally and technically … I try to be the best version of myself on the field … I’m happy with my progress.”

He acknowledged that switching between club and national team football presents different demands.

“There is some difference, especially in style and physicality, but playing in the Premier League or internationally is high level, so not much difference.”

Ndiaye also credited the Senegal squad’s unity for his rapid development. “It’s because of the players in the squad and how they welcomed me. They help me every day … The more you play, the better you get … The whole country supports me … I didn’t have the best start, but now I try to give my best for the country.”

That national pride underlines how seriously Ndiaye takes his duties with the Lions. 

“Every time the coach calls me, I’m happy and motivated to give everything for the country … I want to bring everything I can to help the team go as far as possible.”

At Everton, Ndiaye has already begun to justify the club’s faith in him. So far this season, he has netted four goals and recorded an assist in the 2025–26 Premier League season so far. 

Ndiaye will be hoping to keep impressing with Senegal ahead of their clash with Kenya in Antalya, Turkey, on Tuesday.