Aston Villa have been one of the busiest clubs in the English Premier League during the summer 2024 transfer market. Unai Emery’s team is set to play in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. They have decided to strengthen their squad heading into an all-important season. However, Villa received a huge setback when Douglas Luiz secured a Juventus move. There are also rumours of Moussa Diaby’s possible Saudi move.
Douglas Luiz has been a huge part of Aston Villa’s plans since joining the club in 2019. The club needed a top replacement for their Brazilian playmaker. Villa decided to cash in on Everton’s Amadou Onana. The Belgian was a huge part of Everton’s survival last season. He earned a call-up for Belgium’s UEFA European Championship 2024 team. After impressing everyone with his displays, Onana was the perfect replacement for Luiz. But is he capable enough to replicate what Luiz did? Let’s look at how this 24-year-old midfielder will boost Aston Villa’s attack.
Everton’s protective shield
Amadou Onana joined Everton from Lille in the 2022-24 season. He has been a regular part of the midfield since joining and already has more than 50 appearances in the English Premier League. Onana is more of a defensive midfielder. His tall figure in the centre of the park makes it difficult for the opposition players to get past him.
The pizza chart above shows that Onana was ranked highly for performing defensive actions. His duels winning ability was the biggest reason behind Everton’s survival in the league. Onana’s defensive territory shows how he covers a lot of areas on the field.
Amadou Onana is not known for his dribbling but he made some strong progressive runs to get past the opposition defence. The Belgian completed around 80% of his dribbles.
Another important element in Onana’s game is his ability to win back the ball in attacking areas. This will be a great element in Villa’s midfield heading into their Champions League campaign. Top midfielders can win a game for any team. Andre Onana’s ability to make such recoveries and perform defensive actions makes him a key player.
This plot assesses the player’s defensive involvement and effectiveness, which is crucial for wing-backs and wingers who track back. Onana was the best in the business for defensive duties among other left centre-midfielders. This will be a big boost for Emery.
Amadou Onana at the Euros
The 22-year-old midfielder was ever-present in Belgium’s midfield. Their campaign ended in the Round of 16 with Onana ending as their top performer. He averaged 3.3 interceptions per match and only gave away one foul. Amadou’s counter-pressing recoveries are a big element in his game.
Can Onana replace Luiz?
Douglas Luiz and Amadou Onana play a similar role. Both players are young and capable enough to lead any midfield. However, these two have different game styles. Amadou Onana is more defensive, while Luiz has added a more attacking touch to his game.
The Belgian scored two goals and the Brazilian converted nine chances. Douglas Luiz is a set-piece specialist and can hit long-range bangers. Onana’s tall figure makes him a threat during set-pieces.
Douglas also offers more in creating goals. He provided five assists, with few coming from a corner or free-kick. Onana failed to create a goal but provided more passes down the middle.
The first plot reflects the player’s skill in delivering precise passes into the penalty area, a critical aspect of breaking down defences. The second plot reflects the player’s skill in delivering progressive passes, a critical aspect of breaking down defences.
Douglas Luiz is ranked higher than Onana for the creative side. He created more chances in the league. Amadou Onana played for a team struggling in the bottom half. His defensive duties were the biggest reason behind Everton’s survival.
Aston Villa will also expect the same outcome from their new signing. His presence in the centre can play a massive role in a tough campaign for Villa.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine