A Star is Born

Less than a month into the young Premier League season, Amadou Onana finally broke through. The Belgian midfielder dominator spent the early games terrorizing opponents’ midfield.

Despite broadcasters getting his name wrong, Onana proved that he is this season’s talent to watch.

Emery’s Villa continues to prove to be one of the best-run clubs in England. After losing their talisman, Jack Grealish, the team responded by making the savviest moves outside Brighton.

For most people, Onana barely existed in their eyes when he moved to Everton. While never truly breaking out in Ligue 1, Onana offered glimpses of star potential. However, only the true FIFA/Football Manager addicts understood the type of player Everton got.

Onana profiles as the prototypical modern defensive midfielder built for the Premier League. Think of the hype surrounding Roméo Lavia and see it actualized in Onana. Everything that Chelsea hoped Lavia could be is what Onana is.

Slowly climbing the footballing pyramid, Onana made his mark on this still early season.

If he continues to show improvement, the giants of Europe will surely come knocking.

When Everton welcomed Onana to Merseyside, few in the Premier League had heard of the Belgian international. To be honest, nothing thus far has grabbed the attention of the non-footballing addict public.

Originally from Senegal, Onana developed in Belgian and German academies before debuting in Germany. While he only spent one season in the second German flight, appreciators began to pop up across Europe. Out of all the potential suitors, Onana chose perhaps the most perfect match. 

Over the past five years, Lille has experienced a total revival based on excellent scouting and developmental programs. Jonathan David and Renato Sanches saw their stocks rise at the French outfit, with Sanches’ potential returning somewhat. Olivier Létang continues to prove himself to be one of the best project builders across Europe with this Lille side.

Onana fits into Létang’s vision of what success looks like in modern football. A cheap yet intriguing project that can be sold for a massive profit.

PHOTO: Get French Football

Everton came calling after a solid but not spectacular season in the French league. In Onana, Everton hoped to have found the next piece for their midfield—a more modern replacement for Gueye, essentially.

Given the rate at which defensive midfielders seem to be sniped by larger clubs, Onana’s failure to make that next move puzzled fans. Surely, he showed more in his two seasons in the Prem than the majority of his peers. Like with Lille, the Belgian international found his match in the brilliant Emery and his fun Villa side.

If his career proves one thing, it’s that Onana seems to find clubs that are perfect for him. This is why his move to Villa excited all those who had been paying close attention to his career.

While not a perfect comparison, Roméo Lavia remains a useful barometer of the player Onana is supposed to be. Both players are the molds that most modern defensive midfielders want to be.

With a massive frame, it shouldn’t be surprising that Onana casts an imposing presence on the midfield. An elite tackler by every metric, Onana snuffs out the opponent’s chances with ease. While his interception numbers lack, there’s enough to suggest that he could improve.

There is a lot to believe in that improvement, as well as his clearance numbers, which rank high amongst his peers. While not a perfect comparison by any means, clearance rates suggest a good grasp on ball reading. This means that Onana reads the game well but is still struggling to put it all together in more live situations. 

However, the one area that Onana struggles with is his ability to be a playmaker.

Compared to Lavia, the Chelsea man showed more promise in this area.

PHOTO: Shutterstock

Looking at his numbers in the 2023/24 season can be deceiving. At face value, he struggles to be a difference maker in the attacking end, a player who doesn’t contribute in those quicker passing atmospheres in the attacking third.

However, his longer-distance passing numbers do impress. While no Pirlo, Onana still hits the long ball at a decent rate without sacrificing accuracy. To truly reach the next level, he needs to grow as a passer in the final third.

Onana’s statistical resume shows a modern defensive midfielder who can play at a high level. To reach the next level, the Belgian international must develop as a passer.

Scoring two goals in the first three games of the season will always draw the world’s attention. Onana is more than just a flash in the pan, as he continues to show that he has what it takes to be a dominant player.

The scoring draws people in, but the rest of his game will keep the world watching this fascinating player.

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