Ndiaye's City debut hints at what £65m can buy

Ndiaye's City debut hints at what £65m can buy

Iliman Ndiaye's first outing in a City shirt offered a glimpse of the threat he brings, even if the scoreline stayed modest. A 1-0 win over Coventry at the Etihad on Saturday was settled by Erling Haaland's first-half strike, with both goalkeepers kept busy, but the afternoon belonged largely to the new arrival.

The Senegal international, signed from Everton on deadline day for £65m, played 87 minutes on his debut. He created a chance, had a shot, and perhaps most tellingly, was willing to run at his man. Seven dribbles attempted, two completed, four crosses, two fouls won — the numbers tell of a winger who wants the ball and isn't shy about taking responsibility.

What might surprise those who watched him at Goodison Park is the defensive side. Ndiaye won two tackles, made a clearance and a recovery, and — rather against the stereotype of a flair player — came out on top in seven duels. It was a complete enough display that Rob Edwards, the former Wolves manager, was moved to praise him on Match of the Day.

"Ndiaye looks really dangerous, especially in one-on-one situations and this game really suits him. He is playing as well as anyone at the moment," Edwards said.

Ndiaye's route to City was not straightforward. A proposed move to Tottenham collapsed, and Everton ultimately accepted a fee well below the £80m that some decision-makers were tipped to hold out for, with three years still left on his contract. Financial demands proved decisive, with his exit following the cancellation of a proposed £40m move to Nottingham Forest for Harrison Armstrong. Football's transfer market rarely makes sense; occasionally that works in your favour.

He was not the only new face. Enzo Fernandez also made his debut following his £125m move from Chelsea, while Ayyoub Bouaddi was handed a home debut from the bench. City have now won their opening three Premier League games as they look to close the gap on Arsenal.

Enzo Maresca, hardly one for hyperbole, was direct when asked about Ndiaye's arrival.

"He's so good, he's so good," Maresca said. "In the last two days, you can see already how good he is in terms of 1v1, in terms of in the last third, inside the box. I'm very happy to have him with us."

Ndiaye can operate on either flank, and with Jeremy Doku still to return, he offers Maresca a dangerous option from the bench or from the start. On this evidence, City may have found a bargain — even at £65m.