Amadou Onana sat down to discuss various topics ahead of Everton's Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The 22-year-old midfielder discusses the Blues’ positive spell, his passions outside of football, the next generation of the Belgium national team and the challenge that lies ahead in London this weekend.
Q. Amadou, thanks for joining us. Let's start by discussing our form at the moment? Four positive results in our past five games, what do you feel has changed for team in recent weeks and how is the confidence inside the camp at the minute?
AO: It’s been much better than last season. Winning is always good for confidence for the team. This season everyone understands their role within the team. The gaffer has brought in a very different dynamic style and I think it’s a lot better. There’s a lot of positives to take with us.
Q. Away from football, we know you like to cook - what’s your go to recipe that helps you prepare for a game?
AO: I wouldn’t prepare it myself as we’ve got a really talented chef here at the Club! He makes me a chicken pasta the night before and day of the game. That’s my go-to meal for a matchday.
Q. You’re a fan of music and a talented singer as well. When did you first start showing an interest in music?
AO: I think it started from a very young age, probably when I was singing in the shower. That’s how it all began. This is just something I like to do, it’s something different that takes you away from football for a little bit. I really enjoy it doing it.
Q. Do you play any instruments and is music something you may explore further after you finish your playing career?
AO: Why not parallel to my football career? A lot of players are doing it, I don’t have any reasons not to do it. I like to play a little bit of piano, I’m getting lessons. As I said, it’s a nice distraction to have away from football.
Q. Let’s talk about the Belgium national team. You were one of the first teams to qualify for the European Championships next summer. There seems to be a lot of energy in the team - what has changed and how far do you think you can go next year?
AO: I think the sky is the limit for this team, I genuinely believe that. We have a very good team that has a mix of experienced players who have played in major tournaments before. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and [Thibaut] Courtois. Players like that who have the experience to help young players like myself, Jeremy Doku, Lois Openda - young players who are hungry to learn and achieve great things. I’m really confident about where things are going. Obviously, it will take a lot of hard work to do what the previous generation did but I’m very confident about it.
Q. Back to Everton matters - we face Crystal Palace this weekend. What do you expect from them?
AO: Every time we’ve played there, it’s been a really tough game. I’m expecting them to come in strong from the first minute because they’re playing at home. We know that the atmosphere can be very hot at Selhurst Park. The team are aware of those factors, and we are very well prepared for the game.
