Callum O'Connell

Wed 15 November 2023 22:10, UK

Everton forward Arnaut Danjuma has compared his teammate Amadou Onana to an octopus as he named him as his most difficult opponent in training, and he has earned the tag with his displays this season.

Onana has been a rock in Sean Dyche’s midfield so far this season and has earned his starting place despite heavy competition for the position with Idrissa Gueye often the man to miss out.

His physicality and height play a large part in his game, but Dyche has been working with the Belgian to better how effective he can be at both ends of the pitch, and that has become obvious in his defending.

Danjuma was asked by the Premier League YouTube channel [15 November] who his toughest opponent in training is, to which he responded: “Amadou Onana, he’s like an octopus!”

The midfielder has averaged 2.5 tackles and 6.5 interceptions per game so far in the Premier League, while he is only dribbled past an average of 0.8 times per game in the middle of the park, showing how difficult he can be to beat in his duels. [Sofascore]

Of those duels, Onana averages a total of 7.6 duels won per game, 5.0 on the ground and 2.6 in the air, while he also draws an average of 2.1 fouls to ease pressure on his side.

Dyche commented on Onana’s role in his side recently [Liverpool World, 29 September], claiming: “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.”

The slightly deeper role Dyche mentions has allowed Onana to thrive so far, and his game has found new levels. The praise from his teammate, no matter how tongue-in-cheek the octopus comment may be, sums up the improvement in the defensive side of his game and is a display of how he can now thrive at Everton.

In other Everton news, the club’s stance on a possible deal for Richarlison has become clear.