Amadou Onana's Rise: Unai Emery Hopes for Midfielder's High-Level Performance

Amadou Onana: Rising Star in the Premier League

Amadou Onana has made headlines this season by equaling his best scoring performance in the Premier League with Everton. Notably, he scored the opening goal in both of Aston Villa's victories this season, showcasing his potential as he takes on his former club at Villa Park this Saturday.

The £50 Million Move to Aston Villa

Onana's transfer for £50 million from Everton raised eyebrows, especially given the club's financial struggles. Sean Dyche labeled this move as a "business decision." However, Aston Villa's willingness to break their transfer record indicates they see immense potential in Onana that he perhaps did not fully demonstrate at Goodison Park.

Fan Reactions and Club Perspectives

Former player Michael Ball echoed the sentiments of fans, criticizing the transfer by suggesting it reflected poor timing for both the player and the club. He compared Onana unfavorably to Tim Iroegbunam, another signing from Villa who has appeared more effective thus far. Yet, there remains a sense of optimism surrounding Onana’s capabilities. "We signed Amadou Onana because he is young and has big potential," stated Villa boss Unai Emery, underscoring a belief that he can harness Onana's talents.

Adjustment Under Emery’s Coaching

Transitioning to Aston Villa has demanded significant adjustments from Onana. He has had to adapt to longer training sessions and detailed tactical instructions, a hallmark of Emery's coaching style. After returning from international duty, Onana reflected on the adjustment, noting the change in playing styles between his current and previous team.

Comparing Playing Styles: Dyche vs. Emery

Emery's strategy contrasts sharply with Dyche's. While Dyche's team focused on a direct style of play with long balls, Emery emphasizes possession and intricate passing sequences. The statistics back this up, with Onana's passing completion rate increasing from 84.9% at Everton to an impressive 93.3% at Villa, highlighting his growing effectiveness in retaining possession.

Potential Partnership with Kamara

Onana's role at Aston Villa may align him in partnership with Boubacar Kamara, offering a dynamic midfield presence. Emery envisions a versatile midfield where both players can start together, providing flexibility in tactical formations. The addition of new signings such as Youri Tielemans and Ross Barkley only serves to bolster this already competitive midfield.

Everton Match as a Litmus Test

Looking ahead, the match against Everton presents a crucial opportunity for Villa to showcase their progress this season. A victory could propel them into the top four of the league, but Emery remains cautious and focused on improvement. He respects Everton's competitive nature, recognizing the challenges they pose on the field.
"We have won two matches but it is not enough. We have to continue improving," Emery stated, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance, especially for talents like Onana, who are still developing their capabilities.

Conclusion

Amadou Onana represents a bright prospect in the English Premier League. Under Unai Emery's guidance, the midfielder has the opportunity to enhance his skills and fulfill his potential as a key player for Aston Villa. Fans and pundits alike await his evolution as he prepares for a pivotal clash against Everton.