Tim Iroegbunam was speaking following Everton’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Doncaster Rovers
Tim Iroegbunam has hailed Iliman Ndiaye as ‘magic’ and opened up on his start to life at Everton. Sean Dyche’s side finally gave their supporters something to smile about after a poor start to the season as they booked their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup with a 3-0 victory over Doncaster Rovers at Goodison Park on Tuesday night.
On a night in which defeat was simply not an option, it was Everton’s new boys who took centre stage. Just like he has done since the start of the new campaign, Iroegbunam produced yet another commanding display in the middle of midfield, while Ndiaye took on a starring role in his first start for the club.
After Iroegbunam fired the Blues ahead, Ndiaye also opened his account for the Blues with a superb solo effort in front of the Gwladys Street. Beto then added a third seven minutes from time when he converted Vitalii Mykolenko’s low cross.
READ MORE: ‘Mission was clear’ – National media agree on key Everton player after Doncaster winREAD MORE: Everton frustration spills over as new transfer hint dropped before deadline
And Iroegbunam has been left more than impressed by what he has seen from the Senegal international since his £15million transfer from Marseille earlier this summer.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
“He’s magic,” replied the England youth international when asked about his team-mate. “Every time he gets on the ball, I know he’s going to create something.
“He’s so hard to get near, I can’t tackle him. Jesper the same. Training… It’s ridiculous. Same with Jesper – good feet. Just sharp.”
Unlike the rest of Everton’s new signings, Iroegbunam has featured in all three of his side’s games so far this season, and he admits he has found settling into life at Goodison Park following his move from the Midlands rather easy.
“I’ve found it very easy to settle in,” he said. “Obviously, the lads are great. The fans are amazing, probably the best fans I’ve come across, so all of that has helped me settle in. Obviously I’ve been welcomed very nicely, so it gives me confidence.”
Reflecting on his side’s start to the season, Iroegbunam added: “Against Brighton, I don’t really think that was a fair reflection of how the game went, especially in the first half.
“Obviously, when you get chances, you have to take them; otherwise, they get chances and score, and then the game looks like they’ve battered us.
“But that’s not really how it went. Obviously we’re a good side; we just need to build confidence. Hopefully this is the game that’s done it for us, to give us momentum.”
