A Chelsea legend has recently heaped significant praise on a current member of the Aston Villa squad. Frank Lampard, a prominent figure in Chelsea’s history, expressed his admiration for Amadou Onana, the £50 million summer signing from Everton, referring to him as a “great talent.” Lampard, who previously managed Onana during his tenure at Everton, emphasized the midfielder’s vital role within the team and expressed confidence that Onana would continue to thrive at Aston Villa under the guidance of manager Unai Emery.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Lampard spoke highly of Onana’s attributes, stating, “He is a great talent with many qualities. His physical capabilities make him very strong defensively, and he regularly contributes goals as well. At Everton, he was crucial to our setup, and I believe he will flourish at Aston Villa, especially with a good coach and a competitive environment.”
Onana made his move to Villa Park from Everton for a reported fee of £50 million. Before joining Villa, he showcased his skills at several clubs, including Hoffenheim, Hamburg, and LOSC Lille. This season, Onana has been an integral part of the team, featuring in 13 matches across all competitions and scoring three goals. He has been named in the starting lineup for nearly every Premier League game this season and has also started in all Champions League fixtures.
Reflecting on his transfer to Villa, Onana expressed his enthusiasm: “It feels amazing. I’m really glad to be here and eager to get started. The atmosphere is healthy for personal and professional growth. The team played attractive football last season, scoring a lot of goals, and now I’ll be playing in the Champions League again, which is thrilling. We have a manager who is among the best, and I believe he can elevate my game.”
Onana highlighted the supportive fanbase and the vibrant atmosphere at Villa Park, recalling his experiences playing against the team and recognizing their quality. He emphasized his desire to contribute to the club’s success, stating, “I want to help bring this football club to the top. They had a tremendous season last year, and we need to maintain that momentum and compete at the highest level.”
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s illustrious career began at West Ham United but truly flourished during his time at Chelsea, where he achieved remarkable success, including three Premier League titles and a Champions League victory. Over his career, Lampard made 609 Premier League appearances, netting 177 goals and providing 102 assists. He also played for Manchester City and New York City FC before becoming a key figure for the England national team, earning 106 caps and scoring 29 goals.
Lampard’s insights into Onana’s potential and the environment at Aston Villa reflect both his deep understanding of football and his commitment to fostering talent in the game. As Onana continues to establish himself at Villa, the support from figures like Lampard could play a crucial role in his development and the club’s aspirations for success in the Premier League and beyond.