Manchester City supporters have been left impressed by Iliman Ndiaye after his influential second-half appearance against Paris Saint-Germain, with many questioning why the winger was not given more time on the pitch.
City suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat against the Champions League holders at the Etihad Stadium. However, the response after the break offered encouragement, and Ndiaye emerged as one of the standout talking points among supporters reacting to a City Xtra post on X.
The winger delivered an energetic performance, recording an assist, completing four successful dribbles and winning six ground duels in just 45 minutes. His ability to carry the ball forward and trouble PSG’s defence gave Manchester City an additional attacking dimension.
Fans were particularly impressed by his impact from the bench. Some called him a sensational substitute, while others argued that he deserved to start alongside Jérémy Doku.
The reaction also raised questions about Enzo Maresca’s substitutions, especially the decision to withdraw Doku while keeping Antoine Semenyo on the pitch.
Although the result remained disappointing, Ndiaye’s contribution gave supporters something positive to discuss. His performance suggested that City could have another dangerous attacking option capable of changing the rhythm of difficult matches.
“One hell of a super sub”: City fans praise Ndiaye’s impact
The strongest theme in the reaction was Ndiaye’s ability to change a game after coming off the bench.
BIG MII captured that feeling with a comment that quickly attracted attention from fellow supporters.
“One hell of a super sub this guy is, start him, he plays nonsense, start from the bench and turns into prime,” the fan wrote.
The comment highlighted a familiar selection dilemma. Ndiaye appears capable of making an immediate impact as a substitute, but supporters want to see whether he can produce the same level of performance from the opening whistle.
Another supporter, A_star, offered a similar assessment, writing: “He’s amazing when he come in.”
Emmanuel Daka also praised City’s substitutions, describing Ndiaye and Ayyoub Bouaddi as “sensational subs”.
These reactions suggest that supporters were encouraged by the energy and quality introduced during the second half. Both players gave City additional impetus when the team needed a response.
However, Ndiaye’s performance created a difficult question for Maresca. If a player consistently provides pace, direct running and attacking threat from the bench, should the manager continue using him as an impact substitute or give him a starting role?
There is no simple answer. Some players thrive when introduced against tired defenders, while others need regular starts to establish rhythm and confidence.
Ndiaye’s display against PSG nevertheless strengthened the argument for giving him more responsibility.
His dribbling created problems for the opposition, while his willingness to attack defenders helped City move forward with greater urgency. Those qualities can be particularly valuable against teams that defend aggressively and attempt to control possession.
For supporters, the immediate priority is clear: they want Ndiaye to receive more opportunities to demonstrate what he can offer.
Ndiaye’s statistics reveal why he troubled PSG
The enthusiasm surrounding Ndiaye was supported by an impressive set of numbers.
He played 45 minutes but made a significant contribution to City’s attacking play. His performance combined direct dribbling, physical commitment and an ability to move into dangerous positions.
Here are his key statistics against PSG.
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Minutes played | 45 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Touches | 40 |
| Accurate passes | 17 |
| Pass accuracy | 85% |
| Touches in opposition box | 9 |
| Ground duels won | 6 |
| Successful dribbles | 4 — most |
| Recoveries | 3 |
| Line-breaking passes | 3 |
| Shots on target | 2 |
| Passes into final third | 2 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Times fouled | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Accurate crosses | 1 |
| Chances created | 1 |
One of the most striking figures was his four successful dribbles, the highest total recorded in the match.
That statistic illustrates how effectively Ndiaye took on defenders. Rather than relying entirely on combinations with teammates, he looked capable of creating opportunities through individual skill.
His nine touches inside the opposition penalty area were equally encouraging. They showed that he repeatedly found ways to enter dangerous positions during his limited time on the pitch.
Ndiaye also recorded two shots on target, providing a direct threat in front of goal. Combined with his assist, those numbers underline his influence in the attacking third.
His six ground duels won also demonstrated his determination to compete physically. For a winger, that work rate can be just as important as technical ability, particularly when the team is chasing a result.
The statistics do not automatically prove that Ndiaye should start every match. Nevertheless, they explain why his performance generated such a strong response from Manchester City supporters.
He offered several different ways to trouble PSG, making his cameo about much more than one decisive contribution.
Fans want Ndiaye and Doku together on the wings
Another major talking point was whether Ndiaye should feature alongside Jérémy Doku rather than compete with him for the same position.
Cranelle made the argument directly, suggesting that Ndiaye and Doku should occupy the wings and alternate depending on the situation.
The comment reflected a desire to see Manchester City use both players’ dribbling ability and direct attacking instincts.
Doku is capable of stretching defences through acceleration and one-on-one situations. Ndiaye demonstrated similar qualities against PSG, repeatedly looking to beat his marker and carry the ball into dangerous areas.
Playing both could give City a more unpredictable attack.
Opponents would have to prepare for two players capable of taking defenders on individually. That could create additional space for Haaland and the midfielders arriving in support.
However, the balance of the team would remain important. Maresca would need to ensure that both wingers contribute defensively and that City maintain enough control in midfield.
The manager must also consider the strengths of the opposition. Some matches require greater width and individual creativity, while others demand additional defensive protection.
Still, Ndiaye’s performance has strengthened the case for experimenting with both players in the same starting line-up.
Supporters want to see City become more dangerous in the final third, and the combination could offer one possible solution.
Maresca faces questions over his substitutions
Ndiaye’s impressive cameo also brought attention to Maresca’s decisions during the defeat.
Enzo City questioned the decision to substitute Doku while leaving Semenyo on the pitch.
“I don’t understand how Enzo subbed Doku and kept Semenyo. He’s a striker kind of a player man,” the supporter wrote.
The frustration reflected a wider debate about whether City used their attacking options effectively against PSG.
When a team is chasing a match, substitutions can significantly influence the momentum. Supporters naturally question decisions when a player who appears dangerous is withdrawn while another remains on the pitch.
Ndiaye’s impact made those questions even more prominent. His energy and directness suggested that City had attacking alternatives capable of causing problems for PSG.
However, Maresca’s decisions should also be considered in the context of his tactical plans, the players’ physical condition and the need to manage the overall shape of the team.
A substitution that disappoints supporters does not necessarily mean the manager made the wrong decision. The important issue is whether the changes help the team create better opportunities and remain competitive.
The PSG defeat nevertheless provided Maresca with plenty to review.
He will need to assess which combinations work best, how quickly substitutes can influence matches and whether Ndiaye deserves a more prominent role in future fixtures.
For now, the fan reaction suggests that supporters want to see greater use of the winger’s attacking qualities.
Ndiaye’s work rate wins further admiration
Beyond the goalscoring threat and dribbling, Ndiaye’s commitment also earned praise.
Dispute described him as a “wonderful and tenacious winger”.
Another supporter, Tasaneffa, highlighted his work rate, while SamTechs praised what he had shown during the match.
Kobe De Bruyne’s fan account described the performance as “Sublime”, and fyne face simply called Ndiaye a “baller”.
These comments point to a quality that can sometimes be overlooked when assessing attacking players: the willingness to keep competing even when the team is struggling.
Ndiaye’s six ground duels won and three recoveries support the impression that he contributed beyond the final third.
For Maresca, that combination could be particularly valuable. Wingers must provide attacking threat while also helping the team recover possession and maintain its defensive structure.
A player who can beat defenders, create chances and work hard without the ball offers a manager tactical flexibility.
Ndiaye’s performance therefore provided encouraging evidence that he could contribute in several phases of play.
The next challenge will be consistency. Supporters will want to see whether he can maintain that intensity across a full match and reproduce his impact against different opponents.
Manchester City need more performances like this
The 4-2 defeat against PSG exposed problems that Manchester City must address. The team cannot afford to concede goals too easily if it wants to compete for major honours.
Yet, Ndiaye’s performance demonstrated that City have attacking options capable of making a difference.
His assist, four successful dribbles and two shots on target helped inject life into the second half. His work rate also showed that he was prepared to contribute when the team needed a response.
ZELSKI offered a broader perspective on the defeat, arguing that the second-half performance gave supporters hope because the players were willing to fight for the badge.
That optimism provides useful context for the reaction to Ndiaye. Fans were disappointed by the result, but his contribution showed what City might achieve with the right attacking combinations.
The debate now turns to Maresca. Should he continue using Ndiaye as an impact substitute, or is it time to give him a starting opportunity alongside Doku?
His performance against PSG has made that question difficult to ignore.
The manager must find the right balance between rewarding form, maintaining tactical discipline and giving his players opportunities to develop.
For Ndiaye, the immediate task is to build on an encouraging display. If he continues to take defenders on, create chances and contribute defensively, more minutes should follow.
Manchester City supporters have made their feelings clear. They want to see more of the winger, and some believe he has already done enough to deserve a place in the starting line-up.
After a disappointing European night, Ndiaye emerged with his reputation enhanced. Whether he can turn that momentum into a regular role will be one of the more interesting questions facing Maresca in the matches ahead.
