The £50m masterful signing who could work wonders for Aston Villa - and keep Champions League status

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Aston Villa are competing in the Champions League for the first time since 1982–83 season.

Earlier this summer, Aston Villa beat Arsenal to the signing of towering Belgium international Amadou Onana, who is expected to be the lead box-to-box midfielder in Unai Emery’s carefully assembled side. The former Everton man arrives at Villa Park with a rising reputation in European football and is capable of bringing the best out of others, ensuring that Villa not only excels in the Champions League but is also capable of finishing in another Champions League spot.

A fee of £50m will create plenty of expectation, but not only is Onana proven at the top level, he'll slot in alongside fellow Belgian Youri Tielemans, which should help.

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Onana has particular strengths, such as aerial duels and box defending, which Villa are crying out for if they're to move forward. It's a loss of talent for Everton, but it's also a big fee and an opportunity for them to strengthen across the board.

When playing in Europe, you need players that are capable of doing multiple tasks and solving complex situations on the field without the manager having to tweak things from the bench. Amadou has shown that he can fill multiple roles. He’s Premier League-proven, unlike some players who will arrive from Europe and need time to adapt. He already has the ability to play in the world’s toughest league and will most likely hit the ground running.

He will also relish this opportunity to play in a team that will be competing with the best European players, not one that is constantly looking over its shoulder. When he joined Everton from Lille, he said: “I’m so happy to be able to play in the Premier League and possibly in the Champions League with this team.”

What has happened since then is that he’s been helping the team fight relegation before getting the opportunity to play in Villa's first Champions League.

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Onana has shown leadership qualities both on and off the pitch. His maturity, despite his young age, and his ability to command the midfield and communicate effectively with teammates make him a natural leader. Bringing in a player with such attributes can enhance the team’s morale and cohesion, fostering a strong, united squad. Villa need more leaders on the field, not just those who wear the armband. Amadou is one who gives his all to his teammates, even at an international level. To have a young player who has the ability to be a big voice is invaluable.

Having played in both the Bundesliga with Hamburger SV and the Premier League with Everton, Onana has experience in highly competitive environments. He understands the business of winning and what it takes to stay at the highest level.

Overall, this is the kind of signing that elevates teams to the next level - someone who is capable of grafting and has the gift and talent to match all his hard work.

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