Amadou Onana is poised to enhance his scoring record in the Premier League as he netted the opening goal for Aston Villa in both of their matches this season. The midfielder will look to continue this streak against his former team, Everton, at Villa Park this Saturday.
Onana’s £50m summer transfer raised eyebrows, with many seeing it as a pivotal move given Everton’s financial constraints. Aston Villa’s decision to break their transfer record for Onana indicates that they recognize his untapped potential beyond what he delivered at Goodison Park.
Michael Ball, a former Everton player, voiced the frustrations felt by many fans, suggesting this was a case of the “wrong team at the wrong time” for Onana. Some claim that new signing Tim Iroegbunam exhibits more promise than Onana did during his time at Everton.
Yet, Villa’s coaching staff sees immense potential in the 23-year-old midfielder. Unai Emery, expressing confidence in onboarding young talent, stated, “We signed Amadou Onana because he is young and has big potential. We believe in his ability.” Emery aims to unlock Onana’s full capabilities, emphasizing the club’s commitment to helping him grow.
Adjusting to Villa’s tactical approach has been a significant challenge for Onana. He recently acknowledged the demands of intensive training and the tactical intricacies that differ from his previous experience. Emery’s hands-on coaching style focuses on nurturing Onana’s development, especially as the team gears up for their upcoming fixtures.
Onana’s Path to Greatness
The journey for Onana is just beginning, with a noticeable gap between his current abilities and the player Emery aspires for him to become. Emery commented, “The gap is initially large, but we’re confident we can elevate his level to that of a very good player, and he can help us significantly.”
Onana’s adaptability is notable, particularly as he transitions from a team that relied heavily on long balls to one that emphasizes possession and intricate play. His improved pass-completion rate of 93.3% at Villa reflects this adjustment, suggesting his skill in maintaining possession while also contributing offensively.
Potential Midfield Partnership
Interestingly, Emery envisions a strategic partnership between Onana and fellow midfielder Boubacar Kamara, currently sidelined with an injury. While discussing squad dynamics, Emery stated, “They can play alongside each other, which was a factor in our decision to sign him.” This collaboration could bolster Villa’s midfield as they navigate the season ahead.
Looking ahead to the vital clash against Everton, securing a win would not only mark a significant moment for Onana against his former club but could also propel Villa back into the top four of the Premier League standings. Emery respects Dyche’s competitive edge and highlights the importance of focusing on their own gameplay and strategy as they strive for improvement.
Catch the exciting match between Aston Villa and Everton live this Saturday at 5:30 PM.
