Jack Grealish may still be adjusting to life at Everton, but he has already formed a strong bond with one of his teammates. The 30-year-old England international, who arrived at Goodison Park on loan from Manchester City this summer, has been impressed by Iliman Ndiaye’s quality — publicly calling the Senegal international “the best” following their weekend win over Crystal Palace.
Grealish was brought in to refresh his career after a frustrating spell at City, where playing time was limited under Pep Guardiola. So far, the winger has made a bright start under David Moyes, showcasing his creativity and positive attitude as Everton look to climb the Premier League table. Fans have quickly warmed to his energy and commitment, but it’s his admiration for Ndiaye that has caught attention.
Grealish praises Ndiaye after Palace win
Everton’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend saw both Ndiaye and Grealish find the net. Ndiaye opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Grealish netted a dramatic late winner. After the game, Ndiaye posted a celebratory message on Instagram — and Grealish responded in the comments by calling him “the best.”
The exchange highlighted the growing chemistry between the pair, who have already linked up well in attack this season. Grealish’s praise also reflects how settled Ndiaye has become since joining Everton in 2024, with his second campaign now beginning to showcase his consistency and attacking threat.
Ndiaye returns the compliment
For Ndiaye, the respect is mutual. Speaking to BBC Sport after Everton’s win over Brighton earlier in the season, the 25-year-old was quick to highlight what Grealish adds to their forward line.
“[The partnership with Grealish] could be great. Jack is an amazing player, we all know that. He assisted me for the first goal and the second goal. It could be very good this season.” — Iliman Ndiaye, via BBC Sport
Their partnership is becoming one of the most exciting aspects of Moyes’ Everton side, with Grealish supplying creativity from the flanks and Ndiaye offering direct movement and finishing ability.
Grealish chasing England recall
While Grealish has impressed at Goodison Park — contributing one goal and four assists so far — his performances haven’t been enough to earn him a recall to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the current international break. With the World Cup on the horizon next summer, regular minutes and impactful displays at Everton remain crucial if he is to influence Thomas Tuchel’s selection plans.
Stats snapshot – Jack Grealish 2025/26
| Stat (2025/26) | Jack Grealish |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 4 |
source: sofascore match data – 8 October 2025
Despite missing out on the England squad this time, Grealish’s influence on Everton’s attack is clear. His four assists already underline his ability to unlock defences, while his goal against Palace proved he can still deliver decisive moments.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Grealish’s growing connection with Ndiaye could transform Everton’s season:
“Grealish and Ndiaye complement each other superbly. Grealish provides guile and vision, while Ndiaye thrives on movement and sharp finishing. For Moyes, having these two in sync gives Everton an attacking duo capable of unsettling even the league’s best defences.”
Key Insights
- Jack Grealish has called Everton teammate Iliman Ndiaye “the best.”
- The pair both scored in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
- Ndiaye praised Grealish earlier in the season, calling him “an amazing player.”
- Grealish has 1 goal and 4 assists for Everton this season.
- Despite form, he was not selected for England’s October international squad.
What’s Next for Everton?
After breaking Palace’s unbeaten run, Everton will look to carry their momentum into a challenging set of fixtures as they aim to solidify mid-table stability. Grealish and Ndiaye’s partnership will be central to that ambition, particularly with both players eager to prove themselves at the highest level.
For Grealish personally, the focus is clear: consistent performances and end product to strengthen his case for an England recall. If his partnership with Ndiaye continues to flourish, it could be the spark that reignites his international career.
👉 Could Jack Grealish’s partnership with Iliman Ndiaye be the key to Everton’s season — and his route back into the England squad?
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