Exclusive interview
Powerful midfielder Amadou Onana played a key role for Everton last season, as the Toffees rallied towards Premier League survival – finishing 17th and beating the drop by just two points. “Clubs came knocking” this summer, Onana himself revealed to Transfermarkt, but “Everton gave me the chance to play my first games in the Premier League. I want to repay that,” said the Belgian.
Onana was rewarded for a stellar season at Goodison Park with a €50 million market value in the latest Premier League market value update – a €5m increase from the previous June update. His value was just €30m when he joined from Ligue 1 club Lille for €35m in the 2022 summer transfer window. Last season Onana was ranked eighth for the most tackles won in the Premier League, and sixth for the most aerial duels won out of all midfielders in the division.
Speaking exclusively to Tranfermarkt, Onana said, “I am truly convinced that there are no upper limits for me. That doesn’t mean to sound arrogant. But I believe in my abilities and that I can come to a top club and become a regular player there.” Onana has long been linked with clubs from the “Big Six” of the Premier League; last summer, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal were all said to be interested. “Clubs came knocking, but I wanted to stay to develop further and become a top player at Everton, perhaps the best.” He is already by far the most valuable member of the club’s squad. The 22-year-old said about the constant rumors linking him with a move away: “I try to read almost nothing about it and keep it as far away from me as possible. I just want to concentrate on what’s important.”
Most Valuable Premier League midfielders
Last season’s relegation battle was “very emotional” and he “developed a connection to the club”. That’s why he doesn’t see his job as finished yet. “Everton gave me the chance to play my first games in the Premier League. I want to repay that. I can only do that if I do my best and show good performances,” said Onana, whose contract runs until 2027. The club has had “golden years” with European Cup participation and fighting for the top places in English football, and Onana wants to help Everton “experience better times” again. Sean Dyche’s team are currently 14th, with 14 points from their opening twelve Premier League games.
Onana: “Dyche brings something different”
Dyche replaced Frank Lampard as Everton manager last January with the club in the relegation zone with just three wins from their first 20 Premier League games. His opening game in charge was a 1-0 win against then top of the table Arsenal, and after some mixed results from there onwards, Dyche ultimately led the club to survival.
Asked about what it’s been like to play under the former Burnley manager, Onana said, “Yeah, so I think I have my own playing style too… I’ve had to adapt. I mean, it’s different to Frank Lampard. He just brings something different. I think he’s a coach who has very high expectations. And he trains very, very hard, plays very, very hard, demands a lot of running and you just have to adapt. Since he’s been here, I’ve learned a lot about my boundaries and how to talk about my personality and as a person – a very educational time.” Dyche kept Burnley in the Premier League for five consecutive seasons on a limited budget, before he was sacked in 2021 and the club were subsequently relegated. He was so adored at the North West club he even had a pub outside the stadium renamed from the “The Princess Royal” to “The Royal Dyche”.
Onana: “Abdoulaye Doucouré and Idrissa Gueye have helped me the most”
Since Dyche took the reins, Onana, Abdoulaye Doucouré and Idrissa Gueye have formed a formidable partnership in the Everton midfield. Only James Tarkowski and keeper Jordan Pickford have played more times for the new manager than Doucouré and Gueye.
Speaking about his relationship with Doucouré, the six foot four inches midfielder said, “Yes, I think you can see it on the pitch. He’s someone I get on very, very well with. So off the pitch. We also often go out for dinner with a few colleagues and sometimes at someone’s house. He’s someone who has helped me a lot together with Idrissa. They are two players who have a lot of experience. Also Premier League experience, Idrissa with Paris Saint Germain. Those are the two players who have helped me the most. They make it easier for me. It’s a real pleasure to be able to play with them.” Not many teams can boast such a consistent performing midfield in the Premier League, and Everton’s success this season is likely to depend on the form and availability of their crucial Belgian, Onana.
Interview by Pascal Martin
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