Sean Dyche singles out Everton duo Amadou Onana and James Garner for ‘open-minded’ approach
Everton boss Sean Dyche has singled out two of his players, James Garner and Amadou Onana, for their open-minded approach to learning new roles in his side.
Dyche claimed both players have been “excellent” in recent performances as they continue to grow and mature in the Premier League, with Onana playing slightly deeper than before and Garner making his presence known out wide.
The boss claimed Onana has the capabilities to perform in several different roles, as has done already this season, but also suggested he will continue to need patience to develop his game, with the large price tag skewing expectations.
Speaking to Liverpool World on 29 September, Dyche stated: “Amadou’s young, he’s learning, we want him to be open-minded about the difference in three roles. He’s certainly got the physical capabilities to go into the 10 spot and crash the box from wide areas but his history suggests he’s slightly better deeper.
“I thought he and Jimmy [Garner] were excellent last night [against Aston Villa], had good games at the weekend in slightly different roles and yet again, open-mindedness from two different players who are growing and maturing in the Premier League.
“It’s the way the game has gone, people were remarking about it a few weeks ago. But I said: ‘If that player was £2million, everyone would say he’s a young player see how he goes’. But put a big price on it, the demand goes up immediately.
“They’re young in their true understanding of the Premier League, they have a massive future in front of them.”
Both young players are stepping up
Both Onana and Garner have stepped up with their performances so far this season, and have been particularly impressive given the differing roles the boss has asked them to play, but their versatility will do them a world of good for the future.
Onana’s ability to play anywhere in midfield – as a six, an eight or a ten – will allow him to develop more strings to his bow as he grows and matures into a top-level Premier League player, adding more consistency to his game after contrasting displays last season.
Garner, meanwhile, is finally being recognised for his talent. A switch of position from the centre of midfield to a wider role has given him the space and time to show his quality, while his versatility gives Everton plenty of options.
Having previously only played in midfield, Garner can now fill in as a right-midfielder or a full-back, with his right-footed passing, crossing and possession play beginning to stand out as he steps up his performance level.
In other Everton news, a star player could be the difference between relegation and promotion at Goodison.