Senegalese attacking midfielder Iliman Ndiaye has delivered three assists in ten appearances for Manchester City but is still waiting for his first goal. The media are questioning his effectiveness ahead of the trip to Aston Villa.
Iliman Ndiaye is continuing to adapt to life at Manchester City. Signed from Olympique de Marseille, the Senegalese international has played ten matches this season, for a total of three assists, according to SeneNews. His goal tally remains stuck at zero.
That lack of goals is raising questions in the media, especially as the player operates mainly on the right wing in the system set up by head coach Enzo Maresca. Known for his dribbling, his unsettling feints and his changes of pace, his contribution in front of goal is being scrutinised ahead of the trip to Aston Villa on Saturday 24 October.
A decisive but incomplete contribution
Against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, Iliman Ndiaye illustrated his influence. Coming on at half-time with Manchester City 3-0 down, he changed the course of the second half by delivering the decisive cross for the consolation goal by Erling Haaland, the Norwegian international striker.
Against Everton in the Premier League, the English press gave him ratings ranging from 5 to 6 out of 10. Without a goal to his name, the Senegalese is still expected to deliver in front of goal, where his dribbling and feints are his trademark.
A tactical adaptation still under way
Arriving from Olympique de Marseille, Iliman Ndiaye is continuing his tactical adaptation within the Cityzens squad. Under Enzo Maresca, he plays mainly on the right wing, with three assists to his name this season.
The club, meanwhile, sits top of the Premier League table in this first part of the season, according to Shoot Africa.
Aston Villa, the next test
The trip to Aston Villa on Saturday 24 October is another chance for Iliman Ndiaye to break his Premier League duck.
With Erling Haaland in the box, his crosses have already found a decisive target against PSG, but the Senegalese has yet to score in a Manchester City shirt.