Full Breakdown
Jack Grealish Hails Iliman Ndiaye as Premier League's Most Skillful Player
12/19/2025, 1:47:01 PM
Grealish's Assessment of Skill in the Premier League
Jack Grealish, currently playing for Everton, has publicly praised his teammate Iliman Ndiaye, declaring him "the most skillful player in the Premier League." Speaking on the Stan Sport podcast, Grealish emphasized that while players like Bukayo Saka of Arsenal and Jeremy Doku of Manchester City are among the most effective wingers globally, they do not possess the same level of pure skill as Ndiaye. Grealish stated, "Ndiaye is the most skilful player in the Premier League. In terms of pure skill, yeah. I'm not sitting here saying, oh yeah, he could be the best, but skilful."
Comparison with Other Players
Grealish's comments were supported by his Everton teammate Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who also ranked Ndiaye above Chelsea's Cole Palmer in terms of skill. Grealish elaborated on the differences between Ndiaye and other players, noting that while Doku requires space to utilize his pace, Ndiaye excels in tight situations, saying, "Ndiaye wouldn't even need that space at all. No matter where he is. He's just in and out."
Ndiaye's Impact at Everton
Since joining Everton from Marseille in 2024, Ndiaye has made a significant impact, scoring 15 goals and providing two assists in 55 appearances across all competitions. His technical ability and flair have made him a standout player for the Toffees, contributing to their performance in the Premier League. However, Ndiaye's absence will be felt in upcoming matches as he has left to join the Senegal national team for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Saka's Status in Comparison
While Grealish acknowledged Saka's status as one of the best wingers in the world, he maintained that Saka lacks the same level of skill as Ndiaye. This comparison highlights the ongoing debate about the attributes that define a player's effectiveness versus their artistry on the pitch.
Upcoming Match: Arsenal vs. Everton
As Arsenal prepares to face Everton in the Premier League, the stakes are high. Arsenal is currently at the top of the table, with only two points separating them from second-placed Manchester City. In contrast, Everton sits ninth, four points outside the top four. Historically, Arsenal has struggled against Everton, failing to win any of their last five encounters, which adds an extra layer of tension to the upcoming match.
Official Statements & Responses
Grealish's comments reflect a broader discussion within football about the qualities that define skill and effectiveness. His assessment has sparked interest among fans and analysts alike, as they consider the implications of such comparisons in the context of team dynamics and individual player development.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ndiaye is the most skilful player in the Premier League. In terms of pure skill, yeah. I'm not sitting here saying, oh yeah, he could be the best, but skilful. Saka, for example, is so good, one of the best wingers in the world. But he's not skilful.” — Jack Grealish, Everton Player
- “I'm not sitting here saying, oh yeah, he could be the best, but skilful. Saka, for example, is so good, one of the best wingers in the world. But he's not skilful.” — Jack Grealish, Everton Player
- “Like, Doku, for example, you wouldn't put him in, like, I don't know, a small five-a-side pitch. But Ndiaye wouldn't even need that space at all. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No matter where he is. He's just in and out, whereas Doku, like, you know, might need a bit of space for his, like, pace and stuff. Saka as well.” — Jack Grealish, Everton Player
This ongoing dialogue about player skill and effectiveness continues to shape perceptions in the Premier League, particularly as teams vie for top positions in the league standings.
