Everton’s grand debut at their £800 million Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 24, 2025, marked a turning point for the club, and at the heart of this historic moment were Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish. The dynamic duo, blending Ndiaye’s electrifying flair with Grealish’s creative genius, orchestrated a 2-0 victory over Brighton, sending over 50,000 fans into a frenzy. Ndiaye, who etched his name into Everton lore by scoring the final goal at Goodison Park in May, became the first to score at the new 52,888-capacity arena, with Grealish providing the spark. Their immediate chemistry has fans dreaming of a revitalized Everton, as David Moyes’ second stint as manager begins with a flourish. “It was very special,” Ndiaye told reporters, capturing the euphoria of the day. “We didn’t begin the Premier League well last weekend, but it felt good to come here and give the fans what they deserve.”
The match against Brighton showcased the pair’s potential to redefine Everton’s attacking identity. In the 23rd minute, Grealish, on loan from Manchester City, surged past Brighton’s Mats Wieffer with a signature drop of the shoulder, delivering a pinpoint cross that Ndiaye volleyed home with precision. “Jack is an amazing player, we all know that,” Ndiaye said, praising the assist that marked Everton’s first Premier League goal at their new home. Seven minutes after the break, Grealish’s vision shone again, feeding James Garner for a 25-yard rocket that sealed the win. Grealish’s two assists matched his total from the past two Premier League seasons combined, a testament to his resurgence. “Assisting is just as good as scoring, in my own opinion,” Grealish declared. “Providing the assist for your teammates is a special feeling.”
Ndiaye, a 25-year-old Senegalese star in his second season with Everton, has long been a fan favorite for his dazzling dribbles and relentless energy. His slaloming run early in the Brighton match—evading defenders and firing a low shot at goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen—set the tone. “He’s a player who gets fans off their seats,” one observer noted, comparing Ndiaye to Everton legends like Wayne Rooney and Steven Pienaar. His historic brace against Southampton last season closed Goodison’s 133-year chapter, and now he’s opened a new one, cementing his status as a talisman. Despite a thigh issue forcing his substitution in the 64th minute, Ndiaye’s impact was undeniable, with three tackles and a goal underscoring his all-action style.
Grealish, meanwhile, has found a new lease on life at Everton after a frustrating spell at Manchester City, where he made just seven league starts last season. The £100 million former Aston Villa captain, now 29, was lured by Moyes’ vision, revealed during a pivotal FaceTime call. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, I knew this was the place I wanted to come,” Grealish said. His performance—seven possessions won, six duels, and five touches in Brighton’s box—showcased a return to the fearless, progressive play that defined his Villa days. “I felt really good,” he added. “Out there I could drift, play with a bit of freedom, take more risks.” His choice of the No. 18 shirt, inspired by idols Rooney and Paul Gascoigne, adds a poetic touch to his Merseyside journey.
The victory, secured by Jordan Pickford’s penalty save against Danny Welbeck, was a response to Everton’s opening-day loss at Leeds United. Moyes, whose return feels “written in the stars,” sees Grealish and Ndiaye as the cornerstone of a more attacking, fluid Everton. “That’s what we have been hoping for and waiting for,” he said, delighted by their instant connection. Despite concerns about positional overlap—both prefer the left wing—Moyes’ 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to rotate fluidly with players like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, adding unpredictability. The emergence of Everton’s African core, including Idrissa Gueye and debutant Thierno Barry, further bolsters the squad’s depth. As the Toffees prepare for a Carabao Cup clash with Mansfield Town and a Premier League trip to Wolves, Ndiaye and Grealish’s partnership promises to light up Hill Dickinson Stadium, heralding a bold new chapter for a club reborn.
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