Iliman Ndiaye Scout Report At Sheffield United 2023/2024: Why Keeping The In-Demand Star Is Critical For Sheffield United’s Survival – Player Analysis

Iliman Ndiaye has become integral to Sheffield United since making his debut in 2021.

The Senegalese forward has rightly received many plaudits for his performances, which were vital to Uniteds promotion back to the Premier League.

Ndiayes remarkable rise proves the importance of clubs being patient with their young players.

He experienced a diverse youth journey, starting at his hometown club of Rouen, progressing through the Marseille youth academy, and finally joining AS Dakar Sacré-Cœur in Senegal.

In 2016, Ndiaye ventured into English football by signing with Boreham Wood, where he honed his skills for three years, including a loan spell with Hyde United, before ultimately making the move to Bramall Lane.

As the summer transfer window rolls on, transfer rumours link Iliman Ndiaye with a move back to Ligue 1 side Marseille and Everton, who survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season.

Of course, Paul Heckingbottom and Sheffield United would prefer not to lose their star man ahead of what could be a critical season.

The club believes he will be vital to their Premier League campaign, so they have reportedly offered him a new contract to ward off potential suitors.

This tactical analysis and scout report will examine why clubs are chasing Ndiaye and how he fits into Paul Heckingbottoms tactics.

We will understand what makes him such an essential player for the team and if Sheffield United were to lose their talisman, who could replace him at Bramall Lane.

Iliman Ndiaye role in Sheffield United tactics

To begin this analysis, lets look at Sheffield Uniteds tactics.

Typically Paul Heckingbottom favours a 3-5-2 formation, with Ndiaye as one of the front two.

Whether he plays on the strike forces left or right varies, mainly depending on who the opposition is and who will be his partner in attack.

That being said, Heckingbottom was forced to make some slight adjustments to his tactical set-up towards the end of the season.

The graphics above show how Sheffield Uniteds shape changes throughout games, and we can see that this often involves Ndiayes role changing as well.

In the top graphic from the game against Preston, we can see that Ndiaye began playing in the number 10 role and, as the game evolved, moved to play in a front two alongside Jebbison.

Additionally