Everton: Amadou Onana talks about his friend who was the saviour of the club

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana has completed his first season at Goodison Park. His debut season at Everton has been nothing short of a roller coaster as EFC avoided relegation on the final match day courtesy of an Abdoulaye Doucoure goal against AFC Bournemouth.

Onana arrived at Everton from LOSC Lille as one of the best upcoming young midfielders in Europe. When at Lille, he was followed by a number of European sides and Everton had to tussle with West Ham United to sign the Belgian.

Onana soon became an integral part of the Everton midfield, especially under Sean Dyche. Under Dyche, Onana was part of a steely midfield partnering Idrissa Gueye and Doucoure. The 21 year old started a total of 29 Premier League games and came on as a substitute for four games. Onana was subject of transfer interest in the January transfer window as Chelsea enquired about the central midfielder.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana is happy for Abdoulaye Doucoure

CFC were willing to spend £50 million on the Belgian but Onana rejected a move as he decided to stay at Goodison Park and help the Toffees in the relegation battle. The long and grueling survival battle ended on the final match day as the Toffees needed a win to secure Premier League status for next season.

EFC took the lead through Doucoure, who scored a lightning volley, which in the context of the game, was extremely crucial. In the end, Doucoure’s goal proved to be pivotal as his goal kept Everton up in the Top Flight. It was poetic for Doucoure to score the goal as six months ago, he was on the verge of leaving Everton after being forced to train alone under Frank Lampard.

His resurgence under Dyche was unparalleled as he scored five goals and assisted two in 15 Premier League games under the former Burnley boss. Onana, who has an admirable friendship with Doucoure, sang praises of the Mali international in an interview.

"I was very happy that he was the saviour of this club. He’s a friend, not just a teammate.He has seen all the colours this season. He went through ups and downs. At one point, he was sent to the reserve team. For me, he was disrespected at times.But I always knew the quality he had, the things he was capable of on a daily basis in training. He is a worker. He deserves it. This goal was also liberating for him. (via L’Equipe)"

Doucoure’s contract was expiring at the end of the season and the Toffees had an option to trigger a one year extension. Ahead of the Bournemouth game, EFC triggered the one year extension and the Malian is not set to stay at Everton at least until the summer of 2024.

On the other hand, Onana’s future remains uncertain as Everton could be open to listening offers for the Belgian. His stock has risen over the last year and EFC could make a huge profit on his sale.

Will Amadou Onana stay at Everton?