How Everton Players Fared on the International Stage
By Marley Pope
Amadou Onana-Belgium
Everton star man Amadou Onana played a full two matches for Belgium, first in a 3-0 victory versus Sweeden in EURO qualification group F and in a 3-2 friendly win over Germany. Versus Sweden on March 24, Onana protected the back line in a 4-1-4-1 formation for the Red Devils. He completed 40/46 passes with 3/3 accurate long balls, three clearances, 6/9 ground duels won, and 5/5 aerial duels won.
The match was not close and former blues star Romelu Lukaku netted a hat trick. Belgium is currently tied for second place, but ahead on goal difference over Sweeden with a game in hand. Four days later, Belgium faced Germany in a friendly, coming out victorious 3-2. Onana sat deep in a 4-2-3-1 formation next to fellow premier league player Orel Mangala of Nottingham Forest.
Yannick Carasco and Lukaku scored in the opening ten minutes, but Germany snagged a goal back just before half with a penalty from Niclas Fulkrug. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne added to the lead in the 78th minute, finishing the day with two assists as well. Serge Gnabry would finish the goal fest with a close-range finish in the 87th minute.
Onana once again worked his magic, completing 8/8 long balls, winning 2/3 tackles, adding three clearances and 7/11 ground duels won. He was also given the captain’s armband for the final 10 minutes of the match when De Bruyne was subbed off, showing his strong leadership despite being the youngest player in the Belgium lineup. Evertonians should be excited to see what he does for the rest of the season and beyond.