Players recognize a unique situation when they see one. For Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana, it has been an excellent first year with AVFC since joining from Everton. With Europe already secured and the continued pressure on other sides to stave off Villa's potential Champions League qualification, the Belgian will feature one more time in a Premier League match for Unai Emery.
Onana has been a strong point and solidifying presence in the midfield. As a defensive midfielder, his first responsibility is to protect the back four. He's also proven his ability to initiate the attack and join in the efforts in the opposition's final third.
As is the case for most in such a demanding sport and at one of the more wearing roles on the team, Onana has had to deal with some injuries this year. Fortunately for the team, Emery and Monchi have thought ahead and filled out an overall good roster to withstand important players needing to miss time for periods of stretches.
Now, it's his turn to do likewise, and he has more than proven equal to the challenge. Youri Tielemans went down, and Onana has seen himself steadily in the starting XI. While speaking with Villa TV following the match, he mentioned how having a squad with so much depth forces the players to always be at their best.
Well-positioned to achieve current Aston Villa objective
He has often featured as a starter anyway, but with the latest Tielemans development, he knows that he'll be expected to go a full 90 minutes, depending on how the match itself plays out.
Onana's consistent role while everyone was at full health has positioned him now to take on this final season challenge, as their current winning streak has also resulted in clean sheets for Villa.
While discussing the year, Onana mentioned how much the club feels like home to him and how he enjoys the push to get better. They are currently hoping for certain results to go their way. Either way, whether it ends up being in CL or Europa League, Villa fans will be more than happy to extend him the same gratitude he gives to supporters following matches at VP.