For a current Premier League player to be truly starstruck, it would take a lot. By all accounts, Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana is highly accomplished in his own right and has earned a following, along with the admiration of others, through his own efforts.
Listening to Onana on 'The Inside Scoop' YouTube show speak of his meeting Ronaldinho is a hugely worthwhile conversation to enjoy during the down summer period of direct club activity. He, too, after all, is a fan. At one point, growing up in Senegal and then later in Belgium, Onana followed along and idolized some of the legends of the game.
Now in a position of going up against top-end opponents on a weekly basis, it was a relatable moment when he shared how much it meant for him to meet the Brazilian icon.
Many growing up now watching Villa and the Belgium national team play will hold Onana in a high light, hoping to copy his play, and will perhaps even view themselves as the next Onana.
While the current Villa midfielder was growing up, players like Ronaldinho meant that for him, as someone who spent as much time as possible simply playing the game and seeing what could be pulled off against his friends on the day.
Anticipated Aston Villa season ahead
To see a current EPL player openly discuss the internal feeling of being in awe and appreciating the chance to meet someone who is instantly recognizable and that every fan, regardless of which club, has a favorite moment of helps to further endear him to the fan base.
The Belgian will be part of a midfield with his fellow countryman Youri Tielemans and Frenchman Boubacar Kamara that will aim to win the center of the park for Villa during the upcoming campaign. When watching Onana on the edge of the opposition box this year, be on the lookout for a potential Elastico.