‘He’s really grown’: Leon Osman has been so impressed with ‘fantastic’ 21-year-old Everton player this season

By Ben Evans

Everton went into the World Cup break in a precarious spot in the Premier League.

Sitting just a place and point above the relegation zone, Frank Lampard has a serious job on his hands.

Speaking on the Premier League’s YouTube channel, Leon Osman was speaking about each side’s summer business.

After avoiding the drop last season, Lampard set about strengthening his squad in the transfer market.

His main priority was improving the spine of his Everton side, something that looks to have been achieved.

Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have come in at centre-back and looked an immediate upgrade on Lampard’s previous options.

Coady’s form saw him retain his place in the England squad, and Tarkowski’s name was in the conversation too.

Lampard also signed a trio of midfielders to help them control the game better in the middle of the park.

Idrissa Gueye returned from PSG, while James Garner came in from Manchester United and Amadou Onana from Ligue 1.

And Osman has admitted he’s been really impressed with Onana since arriving at Goodison Park.

The 21-year-old Belgian was even included in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad off the back of his Premier League form.

However, he couldn’t prevent them crashing out of the World Cup in the group stages.

Osman seriously impressed with ‘fantastic’ Onana

Speaking about the young midfielder, Osman said: “[He brings] energy, physicality, a real desire to be effective at both ends of the field.

“We’re talking about players who are learning.

“In the short space of time since he’s been at Everton I do feel he’s learnt an awful lot.

“The first game he came on against Aston Villa, he set up a goal, and gave a goal away within five minutes.

“In the next game against Nottingham Forest, he got caught in possession, nearly gave a goal away.

“But since that moment, he’s really grown into the Premier League.

“In that midfield three, alongside [Alex] Iwobi and Idrissa Gueye they do seem to cover all the bases, but his performances have been fantastic.”

Signed for £33m from French side Lille, Onana has adapted to the Premier League extremely quickly.

Capable of playing the role as a combative number six, or carrying the ball as a more traditional eight, Onana’s versatility is a huge bonus for Lampard.

The role he eventually settles into will depend on who ends up partnering him long-term in Everton’s midfield.

Osman have been very impressed with Onana this season, after he drew comparison to Zinedine Zidane in Qatar.

His form could be the key to Everton moving away from the bottom of the Premier League when the season resumes.