Belgian newspapers react to Amadou Onana as Everton star plays v Azerbaijan
Everton midfielder Amadou Onana played a full 90 minutes for the Belgian national side against Azerbaijan, with the Red Devils’ first-half goal was enough to secure three points in a “frustrating” Euro 2024 qualifier.
Belgiam’s display was not praised highly across the national media, with Het Laatste Nieuws (10 September) calling the performance “frustrating”, with many feeling that Domenico Tedesco’s side should be scoring more against Azerbaijan.
Nethertheless, Onana’s performance was praised highly by outlets in Belgium due to his strong midfield performance, with the Everton star managing four aerial duels, two tackles and three clearances. [SofaScore]
De Standaard (9 September) was not too impressed with the midfield, suggesting that Onana, alongside Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemens, were “regularly skipped”, suggesting some weakness in the middle of the park.
However, DH Les Sports (9 September) were full of praise for “the boss” Onana specifically, noting that the 22-year-old is “becoming more and more essential in the national side” – a significant compliment considering the Red Devils were without Kevin De Bruyne.
They were doubly impressed with Onana considering the condition of the pitch, stating: “Even on this potato field, he had a good game.”
Standout
By all accounts, the fanbase is not too pleased with Belgium’s performance against Azerbaijan, but Onana has found himself as a standout.
The Red Devils did manage to get the win and the three points, but their only goal was the result of a very fortunate deflection, with Yannick Carrasco scoring perhaps the easiest of his career.
Onana is emerging as an essential midfield lynchpin for Belgium, and his display in Baku has gone a long way in cementing his position.
He is not a regular starter for his national side, but if he continues to have performances like this, then Tedesco will have a tough time dropping him.
Sean Dyche will hope Onana can bring his form from Baku to Goodison Park after the international break so he can “boss” the midfield in the Premier League.
In other Everton news, a club president has shared what “special trait” Beto has that will make him a Premier League success.