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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Richard Garnett

'Just the start' - Frank Lampard makes Kevin De Bruyne point when discussing Amadou Onana's Everton impact

Frank Lampard is confident that Everton newcomer Amadou Onana can enjoy a similar Premier League career to the ones enjoyed by his fellow countrymen Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.

Onana has quickly established himself as a Goodison fans' favourite following his £33million move from French club Lille in the summer.

The 21-year-old has cemented a place in the Blues' starting XI and despite his limited experience, has emerged as a natural leader within the team.

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When asked about the Belgian midfielder's evident authority ahead of Everton's trip to Newcastle United on Wednesday, Everton boss Lampard said: "I did expect it because from my early conversation with him it was clear that he was a big personality and a very driven young man.

"I've played alongside those types of players before. The reality is at 21 I was at Chelsea. Kevin De Bruyne was 21 at Chelsea. Romelu Lukaku was of a similar age. You look at what those two have done in their careers and I hope Amadou will have his version of that.

"What I'm really getting at is, there are things that he can learn about he can really direct all of that personality and talent that he has. And that's my job to work closely with him.

"But what we've seen on the pitch so far is hopefully just the start, because I've got a huge amount of belief in him and I'll try and help him and how he takes that forward."

"Every personality is different, bit I remember Kevin (De Bruyne). In his early stages he wasn't getting in the team at Chelsea and you'd see the little reactions from him.

"I remember my reactions at certain points in my career, so it's my job to understand the different personalities and hone him in the right way.

"He's a really talented boy and we're delighted to have him here. I think he showed some glimpses of that against Tottenham (Hotspur, where Everton lost 2-0 on Saturday), but there's a lot more to come."

Since joining the Blues, Onana has made nine Premier League appearances and also played for Belgium in the Nations League match against the Netherlands.

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