Illiman gone off the boil...

[DaveBassettsgoneonholiday]

Not for me he hasn't. His work rate on Saturday was once again second to none. He must be a nightmare to defend against, causes panic and forces mistakes regularly against opponents back line. In my 50 years of watching United I can't recall us having a player with as much talent and skill who gets involved in the physical side as well as he does.

 

[corner_flag]

Hes now a marked man 2/3 men around everyone he has the ball, gets hes shirt pulled off his back, defenders trying to nick his ankles hes a nightmare to defend against. Incredible work rate, he’ll be back on the scoresheet soon. Team player appreciated by the fans and his colleagues.

This, 100%. He should be getting more protection from the refs. But as PH keeps saying, our players are being penalised for trying to stay on their feet. A foul is a foul, shouldn't have to take a dive and roll around like a stuck pig for ref to give it.

 

[Millhousesblade1889]

By his standards, he's gone off the boil slightly when in possession, however, his work ethic is defensively outstanding. I think McBurnie returning will help him, he could play give-go's with McBurnie however Sharp wanted through balls & wasn't holding the ball up/ bringing others into play as Mcburnie does.

 

[3Cheers4Ramirez]

McBurnie can occupy defenders in a way Sharp can't. He helps massively with the battle and now even retains the ball superbly. He's playing like the Swansea version but with much improved physical condition. Really enjoying watching him now

Him and Ndiaye are easily the best pair in the division and its not even close. Didn't expect to be saying that but it's true. Very much looking forward to seeing them together again. Get them together for over 10 games and we'll be promoted comfortably, I feel very confident in saying that

 

[Lucky1979]

I’d argue he’s trying to do too much rather than gone off the boil. Obviously been told to play how he likes, but he’s not releasing the ball soon enough and trying to take on one extra man. Just needs to sharpen up a bit and stop trying to do it all on his own. To his credit though he does work hard to win the ball back when he loses it

 

[Toronto Blade]

Ndiaye can have a game off now and then .He had Berge to run the game against Swansea.

 

[Trafford]

It’s a pity that his “goal“ at the end of the game wasn’t allowed to stand, it might have removed some of the self-imposed pressure to score

 

[PokerBlade]

He's scored goals, he gets assists, he presses well, he tracks back, his movement is good, he holds the ball up brilliantly if it's into his feet. The only thing that lad isn't is taller or he'd be a good target man too with how strong he is.

You watch him when he pulls the tricks out and you'd think he must be a luxury player but his all round contribution to games is fantastic. The last time I was this excited about a striker for us was Kabba, and Ndiaye is a lot better than Kabba at his best.

 

[Silent Blade]

TC scored only 1 goal in 39 league games during the the 1972-73 season but he was still our best player, running the show in most games, and put fear into our opponents. That is how I see of Illiman this season but he has scored more goals.

 

[Jon Bon II]

No one puts a shift in like Ndiaye. Absolutely incredible work rate. His 'gone off the boil' would still walk into any other side in the division with room to spare.

 

[Kevin Arnott]

Perhaps just an old guy musing but I genuinely think he's the best United player I've watched at the Lane since mid 70's. Everything he does is for a purpose.

 

[joe casey]

His is unbelievable - constantly a threat, defends from the front, never stops, always trying something, terrifies opposition defenders. Technically he is the best I've seen for the Blades in my nearly 30 years - just look at his G/A compared to everyone else in the league - would walk into every team and plenty in the division above too

 

[GrayBlade]

Since the (speculation in the) TW.
Would you say that's a fair statement?

It may or may not be a fair statement but the timing of it before our most crucial game of the season... not so much so.

 

[Caveblade]

Having read the OP I am going to lump a tenner on him to score tomorrow.

 

[A Storm of Blades]

I’d argue he’s trying to do too much rather than gone off the boil. Obviously been told to play how he likes, but he’s not releasing the ball soon enough and trying to take on one extra man. Just needs to sharpen up a bit and stop trying to do it all on his own. To his credit though he does work hard to win the ball back when he loses it

100% this. Just trying a bit too much at times. Still utter class.

 

[Big Hitter]

Leave the lad in the team. At the moment he is good, on the run -in he is going to hit the brilliant mark and we need him there for that.
His impetus will carry us over the line.

 

[s20Blade]

Noticed he's tracking back and fighting to get the ball one hell of alot, would have been easy just for him to stay in the final third for all the goals.

 

[AnotherBlade]

Fair enough. I couldn't go, or even listen in, as i was at work.

So you have not observed your own observations - that really does make this post a load of silly bollocks!

 

[BobblesBlade]

I shared this thread with a friend in Senegal. He’s a village elder.

He got that annoyed at you that he decided to build a football ground in his village so he can play where he would be appreciated.
More importantly though due the build it created jobs for his villages who now can afford more finer things. They now have good running water and sanitation.
One villager who worked the hardest is now moving to the USA after he used his new phone to make a lot more money with Crypto Currency.

All in all people go on about this thread being a waste but it has done so much for so many people.

 

[Ingood Nick]

An off the boil Iliman is still better than 97% of the Championship

 

[biggiesablade]

An off the boil Iliman is still better than 97% of the Championship

Fantastic post Nick. You're really settling in. I have watched you from afar for months now. Almost tingling knowing you'll be reading the words I thought of in my head. Hope you like it on here.