Amadou Onana: The Perfect Fit for Aston Villa's Progressive Style

 Amadou Onana: The Perfect Fit for Aston Villa's Progressive Style

Amadou Onana of Belgium and Kylian Mbappé of France battle for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 round of 16 match between France and Belgium at Düsseldorf Arena on July 1, 2024 in Dusseldorf, Germany(Image- Getty)

Aston Villa's signing of Amadou Onana from Everton could be a masterstroke, as the 22-year-old midfielder brings a unique combination of defensive prowess and progressive playmaking abilities. Alex Keble analyzes why Onana is more than just an enforcer and how he will fill the gap left by Douglas Luiz.

Onana's Move to Villa: A Tactical Fit

Onana's transfer to Villa is a perfect example of how a player's value is directly related to the tactical preferences of the manager. At Everton, Onana was seen as a powerful midfield destroyer, but his ball-carrying quality and elasticity in possession make him a better fit for a progressive manager like Unai Emery.

Defensive Qualities and In-Possession Skills

Onana's defensive stats are impressive, with a 92nd percentile ranking for tackles, 94th percentile for aerial duels won, and 87th percentile for ball recoveries. However, his in-possession skills are underrated, and he has shown flashes of his ability to drive forward with the ball and pierce the lines.

Belgium Performances and Villa's Need

Onana's performances for Belgium at UEFA EURO 2024 showcased his ability to play in a more possession-based system, and his stats were significantly better than his Everton numbers. Villa need a player like Onana to replace Douglas Luiz, who excelled at distribution and technical ability under pressure.

Onana's Height and Aerial Threat

Onana's height and aerial threat will be a significant asset for Villa, who struggled with set-piece goals last season. His defensive work and powerful dribbling will also add a new element to Villa's midfield.

Conclusion

Onana's move to Villa is a perfect fit for both the player and the club. He will bring a unique combination of defensive prowess and progressive playmaking abilities, making him an invaluable addition to Emery's squad.