Amadou Onana has made clear he has high expectations for his career within football and remains his own biggest critic despite the rapid progress he has made.
The 21-year-old has impressed since signing from Lille during the summer transfer window, proving to be a physical presence in the Blues' midfield department and effective at linking play between defence and attack.
Arsenal and Chelsea were rumoured to be interested in recruiting Onana in January, though he remained put at Goodison Park and pledged his commitment to the club in a social media message posted two days after the January transfer window closed.
READ MORE: Everton irritated for being highlighted over Premier League clubs 'setting a very bad example'
READ MORE: Alan Stubbs stunned 'typical Everton' ignored his transfer tip to sign '£40m' midfielder
Everton supporters will be hoping the promising performances of the No.8 can continue past the current campaign as Sean Dyche's side strike for greater consistency after two turbulent Premier League seasons. Onana himself is hopeful he will reach new heights and is confident his quality can take him there.
"People always say 'The sky is the limit', but I would like to aim even higher in my life and career. Goals, assists, titles, victories... I want the maximum of everything without putting a limit on it," he said.
“Am I am surprised with where I am now? No, not really. It may have all gone a bit fast for the outside world, but for me it has been a long and tough course. I never doubt myself, but I do question myself all the time. There is an important difference. I always take stock: what have I done well and what have I done less well today. Not only on the field, but also in my private life.”
Also making an impression on the international stage, Onana featured in two games at the World Cup as Belgium surprisingly crashed out in the group stages. Eden Hazard and Toby Alderwiereld recently became the latest figures of the Red Devils' golden generation to step aside, a decision also taken by Mousa Dembele and Vincent Kompany in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
Such moves have presented a pathway for Everton's central figure and other youngsters to shine under recently-appointed boss Domenico Tedesco, a challenge Onana is relishing as he prepares to take on extra responsbility.
"For the outside world it may be strange when a young player in the national team is immediately handing out instructions, but the group has always wholeheartedly accepted my intentions," he told Sporza. "I will therefore never be afraid to take responsibility and speak up. That has always been my personality and it will always be that way."
READ NEXT:
- Everton given 'boost' in pursuit of Villarreal winger as transfer 'dilemma' unsolved
- That's what it comes down to' - Ian Wright delivers verdict on Everton and Premier League relegation fight
- Sean Dyche has dilemma over who is Everton's best striker as Ellis Simms stakes claim to start
- Dele Alli breaks silence after Besiktas boss claims Everton midfielder 'missing'
- Everton talent retired at 21, lost years to cocaine but has turned life around
