Whilst having a strong starting side is useful, as Everton do boast, it is far from all you need to succeed at the top level.
Fortunately, across a summer plagued by financial troubles, Kevin Thelwell managed to work miracles in ensuring they added to their depth in much-needed positions.
Jack Harrison bolstered the wide options, whilst Ashley Young offered cover for both full-back spots. Then, both Youssef Chermiti and Beto were employed to ensure they would not suffer from striking deficiencies again.
And yet, amongst all those acquisitions, Arnaut Danjuma stood out as he finally made his triumphant move to Goodison Park just months after snubbing them for Tottenham Hotspur.
Chances have been sparse for the Dutchman, who was left frustrated by a lack of game time in the capital. However, he is not letting that dampen his spirits.
He remains excited for his teammates given their good run of late, and has recently praised Amadou Onana as someone he loves playing with.
Now, when asked who the toughest player to train with was, he essentially repeated his answer by telling the Premier League’s YouTube channel: ‘Amadou Onana. He’s like an octopus.’
How good is Amadou Onana?
Naturally, he is not the only person to have lauded the Belgian, given his consistently imperious showings in Everton’s midfield.
With a touch of class that belies his hulking frame, his technical assets are married perfectly with a raw physicality to make him a truly unique asset. It is such traits that likely tempted Thelwell to unload £33m on the £100k-per-week maestro, who ranks in the top 5% for aerials won per 90 when compared to other midfielders across Europe.
Clearly putting that size to good use, with Danjuma’s octopus reference likely lauding his ability to stretch his gangly legs to win possession, the figures back up his frustration.
In fact, in the Premier League the 22-year-old is averaging 2.5 tackles and 6.5 ball recoveries per game, as an unstoppable defensive force.
As long as he continues performing in Sean Dyche’s midfield, it is expected that their form will only continue to soar.
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