Chelsea target hails Frank Lampard's influence: He's a good coach

Suraj Radia

• 3 Mar 2023 14:10 GMT
• 2 min read

Amadou Onana has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom since joining Everton, having already been linked with a big money move to Chelsea, and the midfielder has praised Frank Lampard for the impact his former manager had on his career.

Onana was a £33 million signing under Lampard last summer and he has established himself as a bright spot during a difficult season at Everton, including being part of Belgium’s squad for the World Cup last year.

The 21-year-old is reportedly being tracked by a host of top sides despite having four years still remaining on his contract at Goodison Park and Onana believes he has improved thanks to the coaching of Lampard prior to his sacking in January.

PROFILE: Who is Amadou Onana? Everything you need to know about the Everton star

“He was one of the reasons I joined the club,” Onana told So Foot. “He called me every day to talk about football, the place I would have in the team and what I could improve.

“It's never pleasant to part after such a short time. He's a good coach: I owe him this recent offensive progress, it's something he told me every day until it clicked.

“He didn't make me do too many long shots because I don't have his shot (laughs), but it wasn't uncommon for us to do some finishing work with other players and him after the game.”

Onana ‘amazed’ by Stamford Bridge atmosphere

Onana also admitted that he was ‘amazed’ by the atmosphere he witnessed at Stamford Bridge while playing for Lille against Chelsea in the Champions League last season and revealed the experience pushed him to move to the Premier League.

He said: “I remember being amazed by the public at Stamford Bridge. By the atmosphere, by the challenge. After going through that, I made the Premier League one of my goals.

“It's a pleasure to play in this championship, because there is never a ‘small match’, there are only big teams and that adds to the challenge. It's what makes me live.”

DECISION: Onana's stance on Chelsea transfer

Onana expressed his disappointment at Everton’s season but also admitted he was happy with his personal development during his short time in the Premier League.

He said: “On a personal level, it's going pretty well, because I've evolved in the space of half a season, it shows on the pitch in the maturity of my game. I had to adapt quickly, because here there is less time to think, fit in spaces and turn around.

“I create a lot more chances than before, because I am more present in the sixteen meters. When I took stock of my performances this summer, it was one of the points I wanted to improve.”