Amadou Onana was pleased with his team’s performance, as the Everton midfielder shone for the entire 90 minutes as Belgium overcame Azerbaijan to win Group F.
On Saturday (9 September), the Red Devils were far from their best in Baku, but a slightly lucky goal from Yannick Carrasco saw them edge through and leapfrog Austria in the European Championship qualification group on goal difference.
Onana made his international debut after missing Belgium’s past two games in June, and he delivered an assured performance alongside Youri Tielemans and Leandro Trossard. The Everton midfielder was satisfied with the result, even though his performance could have been better.
“It was a difficult match on a complicated pitch,” he commented after the match with SudInfo on Sunday, September 10th. People expect you to win easily, but matches on the road are never simple. Azerbaijan is a worthy adversary who has brought us issues.
“The goal was to come here and get three points, and we accomplished that.” Victory is the most essential thing. I believe we handled the midfield nicely. We worked effectively together with the defence and attempted to identify the attackers between the lines.”
Onana has been one of the shining lights in an otherwise bleak period at Goodison Park, and his performances for his national team should give Toffees fans hope, as he is demonstrating that he can be part of a team that finds a way to win even when they are not at their best.
The 22-year-old played the majority of Belgium’s aggressive football in Baku, completing 44 passes, three tackles, and ten duels, more than any other player on either side.
14 of his passes were played into the final third, with Onana hooking up well with former Toffee Romelu Lukaku throughout the game, while making 11 ball recoveries on a difficult pitch to keep control.
While it is believed that the Belgium international would flourish against a squad of Azerbaijan’s calibre, it should provide Everton fans with great comfort knowing such a talent is available even during a difficult period for Sean Dyche’s side.
Hopefully, Onana can stay fit and shine for both Everton and Belgium throughout the season, since he might be key to either team’s success.
In other Everton news, Andy Grey has dismissed the idea of Graham Potter replacing Sean Dyche.
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