Leon Osman raves about Everton summer signing Amadou Onana
Leon Osman has showered heaps of praise on Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, saying he has “learnt an awful lot” in a short space of time.
The BBC Sport pundit hailed Onana, 21, as a “fantastic” player who has grown into the Premier League after initial struggles.”
Onana failed to make an impact in the World Cup for Belgium as the Red Devils were knocked out in their group stages.
“[He brings] energy, physicality, a real desire to be effective at both ends of the field,” said Osman on Premier League Tv production [7 December].
“We’re talking about players who are learning. In the short space of time since he’s been at Everton I do feel he’s learnt an awful lot.
“The first game he came on against Aston Villa, he set up a goal, and gave a goal away within five minutes.
“In the next game against Nottingham Forest, he got caught in possession, nearly gave a goal away.
“Since that moment, he’s really grown into the Premier League.
“In that midfield three, alongside Iwobi and Idrissa Gueye they do seem to cover all the bases, but his performances have been fantastic.”
More to come
The Toffees spent around £33m [BBC Sport] to sign Onana from Lille in the summer transfer window as Frank Lampard was desperate to bolster his midfield.
He is only 21 but he has got loads of potential. He is an energetic midfielder who is determined to make an impact on the pitch, every single game.
The midfielder has made 14 appearances in the Premier League, starting in 12 of them, and he is gradually becoming a key player under Lampard.
While the midfield trio of Alex Iwobi, Onana and Idrissa Gueye has done relatively well, Lampard probably needs more quality in that area.
Gueye has been a shadow of the player he once was, and a solid defensive midfielder is required.
The likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Tom Davies are more attacking-minded, and the Toffees are therefore lacking balance in midfield.
Onana played two games for Belgium in the World Cup, and he will look to overcome the disappointment and continue his progress after he returns to the club.