Peter Reid Stunned by Mystery Everton Star’s Magic vs Burnley – Limited Minutes, Wonderful Display… ‘I Want WAY More of His Potential!’
Everton legend Peter Reid was left in awe following last night’s Premier League encounter at Hill Dickinson Stadium, where the Toffees claimed a vital 2-0 wine over struggling Burnley on March 3, 2026. The result marked Everton’s first home victory of the year, propelling them up to 8th in the table and keeping their European qualification dreams alive amid a hard-fought campaign.
The match itself was a professional, patient performance from David Moyes’ side. James Tarkowski headed home the opener in the 32nd minute from a James Garner free-kick, giving Everton a deserved lead at halftime. But it was the introduction of a certain substitute in the second half that truly lit up the game and caught Reid’s eye.
That player? Iliman Ndiaye
The Senegalese forward came on as a sub and wasted no time making an impact despite his limited minutes on the pitch. Ndiaye, who had earlier seen a goal disallowed for offside, produced a moment of pure class around the hour mark. Picking up the ball after a flowing move from right to left, he threaded a perfectly weighted, visionary through-ball through Burnley’s defense. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall latched onto it with composure, dinking a delicate finish over the advancing goalkeeper for his sixth league goal of the season and sealing the 2-0 victory.
Ndiaye’s cameo was electric he threatened with his pace, dribbling, and creativity, kept Burnley’s backline under constant pressure, and even forced a potential penalty shout when clattered by keeper Martin Dubravka (though no VAR intervention came). When subbed off in stoppage time (replaced by Tyler Dibling), he received a rapturous standing ovation from the 51,959 crowd, shaking hands with fans, signing autographs, and soaking up the love in what felt like a defining moment at the new stadium.
Post-match, Reid speaking with his trademark passion on pundit duties was glowing: “He stunned me out there. Limited minutes on the pitch, but what a wonderful display! That magic in the assist, the way he kept things alive with his touches and vision…I want WAY more of his potential. This lad has something special pace, flair, eye for a pass. Everton need to unleash it more often. Give him those consistent minutes, and watch him shine even brighter!”
For Reid, a two-time title winner with Everton and a no-nonsense voice fans trust, Ndiaye’s performance highlighted untapped quality in a squad that’s shown glimpses of real promise this season. Ndiaye, signed for his dynamism and Africa Cup of Nations-winning form, has been building momentum post-tournament. His ability to change games from the bench like last night shows why he’s a fan favorite and why more starts could elevate Everton’s attack.
The 2-0 win was built on solid defending (clean sheet preserved by Jordan Pickford’s late heroics) and key contributions from Tarkowski and Dewsbury-Hall, but Ndiaye’s spark stole the headlines. Fans are buzzing: if he gets regular game time, his potential could be the difference in pushing for Europe.
