Everton ace tipped for axe amid emphatic Amadou Onana verdict – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Amadou Onana has got to start for Everton in their next game following his cameo against Aston Villa on Saturday (13 August).
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Frank Lampard’s side cannot afford to wait for the 21-year-old to adjust to Premier League football.
Onana replaced Demerai Gray with under 10 minutes remaining and played a huge role in Lucas Digne’s 87th-minute own-goal – but could not prevent Everton from falling to a 2-1 away defeat at Aston Villa.
The Toffees signed the Belgium international from Lille for a reported £33.5million including add-ons – beating Premier League rivals West Ham to his signature.
The 6ft 5in midfielder signed a contract at Goodison Park until June 2027.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Alex Iwobi started as the midfield pair in Frank Lampard’s 3-4-3 formation for Saturday’s match.
Whelan suggested one will have to make way for Onana in time for the Merseysiders’ next game against Nottingham Forest (20 August).
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think we saw why they brought him in to the football club – even in that short time on the field.
“He almost scored a goal himself; he got into a great position.
“He’s one player now that I don’t think Everton can afford to keep off the pitch for too long.
“I think they need these new signings to bed in very quickly. They can’t afford to wait around for him to adjust to the Premier League.
“He’s got to be on the field from the start in the next game.”
In other news, Football Insider updates as Premier League giants launch £40million approach for Everton ace.