Stephen Warnock has claimed that Amadou Onana is too slow for the Premier League.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, the pundit admitted that he thinks the Everton midfielder lacks the athleticism needed to make it in the top flight.
Onana joined Everton from Lille in a £33 million deal last summer and he went onto make 34 appearances in all competitions.
The Belgian proved to be one of the Toffees’ better players last season as they narrowly avoided relegation in their final day victory over Bournemouth.
Onana went onto receive interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, however it never materialised and Everton’s hefty demands seemed to ensure the midfielder stayed at Goodison Park.
However, Onana has really struggled in their opening five matches and put on another disappointing display as the Toffees were beaten by Arsenal at the weekend.
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The 22-year-old’s decline in form hasn’t gone unnoticed either, with Warnock critical of his performances for the club.
Amadou Onana was ‘elusive’ against Arsenal
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ The Football Show, the former Liverpool defender said: “Onana was elusive yesterday.
“I mean, there’s talk about this guy playing at a higher level, but he’s struggling to play at Everton at the moment. Idrissa Gueye was also really poor. They didn’t look up to the pace of the game.
“Dyche has problems because the one thing you need in the Premier League is athleticism and someone who can keep hold of the ball in midfield.”
Despite Onana’s underwhelming start to the season, WhoScored has given him the third highest rating for the Toffees in their opening five matches – behind Beto and Jarrad Branthwaite.
Though the team’s horrific start doesn’t make Onana any better. However, perhaps it is Everton that are holding him back.