Onana: Emery's 2am Match Rewinds Make Him the Maddest, Best Gaffer in the Game

Picture this: you've just touched down after a gruelling European away day, it's the early hours, and while you're dreaming of your bed, your manager's holed up in his office, dissecting every pass like it's the Zapruder film. That's Unai Emery for you, according to Aston Villa powerhouse Amadou Onana. The 24-year-old Belgian midfielder, who's turned heads in the Premier League since his big-money switch from Everton last year, can't get enough of his boss's football fixation.

In a chat with SI Soccer, Onana spills the beans on why Emery edges out everyone else he's worked with. "He's the best I've ever had," he says flat out. From their first natter, Onana sensed Emery could turbocharge his game – and boy, has he delivered. The Villa No.8 has bossed midfield like a colossus, all thanks to Emery pushing him right out of his comfort zone. Growth hurts, but it works, right?

Emery's Round-the-Clock Madness

What sets Emery apart? Pure, unadulterated obsession. Onana reckons the Spaniard's life revolves around the beautiful game. Fly back at 2 a.m.? No bother – Emery's straight into video analysis. "Fascinating," Onana calls it, and you can see why. That relentless drive has turned Villa into contenders and Onana into one of the league's top dogs.

It's not just hard graft; Emery knows exactly what each player needs. Onana shopped around managers before signing on, but none matched the vibe. "Right choice then, still is now," he grins. Under Emery, he's not just playing footy – he's evolving as a player and a bloke. If that's not manager gold, what is?

Lampard: The Prem Dream-Maker

Don't get it twisted, though – Onana rates his past gaffers highly too. Step forward Frank Lampard, the Chelsea icon who lured him to English football with Everton back in 2022. Their spell together was brief, just 20 games, but Lamps left a mark.

Onana remembers the call vividly. Chilling in his Lille pad, his sister (and agent) rings: "The gaffer wants a word." "Who?" "Frank Lampard." Pinch yourself moment. "Football legend," Onana beams, not just Prem – global. Lamps had that sniffing instinct, the flair to ghost into spaces. Onana soaked it up, crediting him for launching his Prem dream.

Martínez: Belgium's Big Break

Fast-forward to the international stage, and Roberto Martínez deserves a shout. When Onana got his first Belgium cap in 2022, he was barely known back home. The youngster had hustled from Zulte Waregem youth to Hoffenheim, Hamburg, then Lille – proving himself abroad before Belgium noticed.

Martínez changed that, hailing him as "one of Europe's most exciting prospects." Massive endorsement from a top tactician. "Feels good," Onana admits, still buzzing. From no-name to Red Devil regular, Martínez handed him the world stage when few believed. Gratitude? Off the scale.

Onana's journey screams talent meets opportunity. From Lampard's doorstep to Emery's boot camp, via Martínez's faith, he's living the dream. At Villa, under Emery's watchful (and sleepless) eye, he's smashing it. Next level? He's already there, mate. Keep an eye on this midfield monster – the Prem's better for it.

(Insights drawn from Onana's interview with SI Soccer)