Amadou Onana Reveals Why Unai Emery Stands Above Every Manager He's Ever Played Under
Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana credits Unai Emery's unmatched passion for football as the quality that distinguishes him from other coaches.
The 24-year-old has solidly positioned himself among the Premier League's top midfielders while playing under Emery, who has enhanced his performance following a major move from Everton in 2024.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated FC, Onana discusses why this development hasn't surprised him.
"I've worked under numerous coaches previously," he states. "Unai Emery is the finest one I've encountered.
"During our discussions, I sensed this individual could elevate me to higher levels. I understood his expectations and recognized what he could contribute to help me reach my aspirations.
"I had conversations with several other coaches during that period. This was simply the correct decision then. It remains so today, incidentally.
"I've never encountered someone as devoted to football as he is. His entire existence revolves around the sport. Sometimes after returning from European matches, around 2 a.m., he'll likely be in his office reviewing the game footage. I find this captivating, and I believe it defines him as a manager.
"He's pushed me beyond my comfort zone. That's how you develop more rapidly as a player and as an individual."
Onana in Awe of 'Legendary' Frank Lampard
Though Emery may be exceptional for Onana, he fully recognizes the caliber of other managers he's collaborated with throughout his career.
Frank Lampard was the one who brought Onana to the Premier League with England in 2022. Their partnership lasted only 20 matches, yet that provided sufficient time for the manager to impart wisdom gained during his distinguished playing career with Chelsea and Manchester City.
When his sister Mélissa, who serves as his representative, first introduced him to Lampard, Onana confesses he could hardly believe it.
"I was at home in Lille, in my living room in France, when my sister kept calling... she'd been trying to reach me multiple times that day," Onana remembers. "When she said, 'The manager wants to talk to you,' I wondered, 'Which manager?' She replied, 'Frank Lampard.'
"Naturally, I knew who he was, but I needed confirmation. 'Is this actually happening?' He's a football icon, not just a Premier League icon, but a global football legend.
"Competing in the Premier League was always my aspiration, and he provided that chance. He possessed that instinct, you understand. He could sense where to position himself, what actions to take. I gained tremendous knowledge from him."
Roberto Martínez Faith on the International Stage
Onana is currently a recognized figure, but this wasn't always true, especially in his native Belgium.
In 2017, 18-year-old Onana departed the Zulte Waregem academy to join Hoffenheim in Germany. A transfer to Hamburg three years later provided his professional debut and a foundation for Onana to secure his move to French club Lille that launched his rise.
When his initial Belgium national team selection came in 2022, Onana remained relatively unfamiliar to domestic supporters. Roberto Martínez helped transform that perception.
"This represents one of the most promising talents in European football currently," declared Martínez as he reassured critics of the selection that they would soon comprehend his decision.
"Martínez holds such prominence in football, so hearing him express that sentiment feels wonderful," Onana reflects.
"I doubt he understands even now how thankful I remain, because I was at Lille, essentially unknown in my homeland, having left to pursue success elsewhere. When few had faith in me, he provided that opportunity to represent Belgium on arguably the world's grandest platform."