Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has insisted that he can’t wait to get back to Goodison Park following his World Cup exploits with Belgium in Qatar.
The 21-year-old has settled into life in L4 since his summer arrival from Ligue 1 side Lille, quickly establishing a rapport with Everton fans.
There are high hopes for Onana, his clear yet raw ability prompting the Blues to pay £33 million for his signature in what has been a whirlwind year for the young man.
An inclusion in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad for the World Cup emphasized the midfielder’s progress, and while such an experience will no doubt prove to be invaluable to his development, Everton’s summer signing admits that he can’t wait to return to Goodison.
Onana said, “I missed it. The World Cup has been great, but I missed it. There is nothing else like Goodison. It is just different, I can’t really explain it, but it is different and I have missed the atmosphere.
It has been amazing having their support. Even though we have had setbacks and tough moments they have not let us down and that is one of the big points for me, that massive support we have got is just unbelievable.”
Though Onana’s Belgium side surprisingly exited the World Cup in the Group Stages, his performance earned him widespread praise, and Everton fans will be hoping the midfielder can continue as Premier League football resumes.
Everton host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day in a must-win fixture for Frank Lampard’s side, and the Blues will be looking for Onana’s influence in the heart of the midfield.
Indeed, the youngster is yet to score his first goal for Everton since his summer arrival, but should he find the net against Wolves next week, he will no doubt earn himself yet more admirers around Goodison Park.