In a match where the midfield is padlocked, you sometimes have to know how to flex your muscles. Failing to be able to call on what many called the good old Fellaini method, Roberto Martinez launched Amadou Onana, a 1m95 rock who lived his first with the Devils.
With great brilliance. The Lille player was one of the strong men of the second half. From his rise to the game at the break, he showed that he had as much quality in his broad shoulders when in his feet.
“It’s a profile that could be very useful for ussummarizes Roberto Martinez. He is different from other midfield players. It is in this perspective that I wanted to test it. He did what I expected of him. He brought physicality but also his quality in small spaces, in keeping possession of the ball.”
The choice to bring him up to the game against the Netherlands was not trivial. “He has a strong personality. We saw him as soon as he started playing. He never hides, he asks for the ball and dares. That’s why I wanted to bring him into a situation of pressure. In a full stadium and a derby. He will be able to develop with our team.”
The player himself wasn’t quite sure what to think. “I’m caught between two emotions. I’m celebrating my first cap. I’m very proud of it. I didn’t expect to be able to play a full half straight away. It’s great because I’m gaining a lot of experience. On the other hand, the evening as a whole is hard to digest. It was difficult to find the flaw and we have to analyze what happened. You have to know how to suffer together in these kinds of moments. And react as a group.
