Former Everton star Pat Nevin has given his verdict on some of the biggest talking points surrounding the club, including the rise of Iliman Ndiaye and transfer links involving John Stones.
Speaking exclusively to MyBettingSites.co.uk, Nevin reflected on whether Ndiaye is ready to make the jump to Europe’s elite clubs amid interest from Manchester United, and discussed the realism of a potential Stones return as Everton look to build stability.
Ndiaye good enough for top sides – but should he leave?
Nevin was full of praise for Ndiaye’s development, insisting the forward already has the quality to step up to the very highest level.
“Iliman Ndiaye was easily already good enough for Manchester United or Liverpool a year ago as far as I am concerned. Watching him play, I just wouldn’t be surprised if Manchester City even came for him.”
He believes Ndiaye’s style would suit a possession-dominant side like Manchester City.
“He is a great player and at Manchester City he would just get the ball even more in the final third with fantastic players around him. He is really up there and he could play there. He may be tempted and the clubs might be tempted to come for him.”
The Scottish hero, however, warned that a move to a top club does not always guarantee success or regular football.
“But to be honest, even though he is a great player, I am not 100% sure it would work. I am sure he has the level, but would he play week in week out? I think you have to consider that, and he is the type of player where I would urge him to stay. I don’t think it would work out, but he is good enough to do it. He is brilliant, but is he going to play every week?”
“He would compete against Jeremy Doku and of course you always back yourself as a player, but even looking at Eberechi Eze at Arsenal… He doesn’t even play every week and the guy is unbelievable.”
Ultimately, Nevin feels Ndiaye may benefit from staying where he is most important.
“Sometimes it is better being a big fish in a small pond.”
Stones return depends on defensive departures
Nevin also addressed reports linking Stones with a return, suggesting the move would depend heavily on outgoings in defence.
“I’d love John to come back but we have Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Jake O’Brien. That’s not the priority for Everton at the moment, to get somebody to play there.”
“But are you going to keep all four of them? I’m not sure about that, particularly Branthwaite who’s worth £100 million, he’s just brilliant. I think there’s a lot of teams that would take O’Brien as well.”
Nevin believes if one of Branthwaite or O’Brien departs, a Stones return would be welcome but there will be concerns about the Englishman’s fitness record.
“If one of them goes, then yes there’s space for John Stones to come back. John won’t be cheap wages wise, and we all know the big fear, which is injuries. So would Everton like to take him back? Absolutely. Because remember he can play in midfield as well.”
“Will it happen if those four players are still at Everton? I think it’s a long shot but who knows come the summer. He would be welcomed back with open arms, I can tell you that for sure.”
