Keeping hold of midfielder Amadou Onana may have been the best piece of business conducted by Everton this summer.
The Daily Mail reported earlier this summer that the Toffees may be forced to sell their 22-year-old prized asset this summer, but the Belgian stayed put at Goodison Park despite rumours linking him away.
Onana joined the club in a £33m move last summer and has quickly become a star player and an instant hit amongst the Toffees’ supporters despite the club narrowly escaping relegation from the Premier League on the final day.
Belgian international Onana has played 90 minutes in all five of Everton’s league and cup fixtures so far this campaign – joining up with the Red Devils during the international break, and playing 90 minutes against Azerbaijan on Saturday.
Amadou Onana is key for Sean Dyche’s side
Onana spoke on international duty last week, saying that despite the rumours he is happy at Everton and willing to play his part for the side this season.
“Having stayed at Everton? It’s not a missed opportunity at all. Football is above all a question of timing. You have to know how to seize opportunities when they arise.
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“I’ve changed clubs every summer transfer window for the last few seasons, but sometimes you have to know how to slow down and be patient. Now I’m fully focused on my task with Everton.
“I’m very happy to be at Everton and I’m completely focused on the task I have to do there.”
Keeping hold of the 22-year-old was vital for Sean Dyche’s side, as his tenacity in the Toffees midfield is crucial in winning possession back when under pressure.
The ‘talented‘ midfielder has a calm head in possession, which is much needed in a Dyche team that sees little of the ball throughout the game.
His willingness to stay at Goodison Park is a credit to the 22-year-old, with many other players in his current situation potentially wanting to leave for a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.