Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana has established himself as a real leader at the back throughout his career, and he has done so by always being assertive and supremely confident.
This is highlighted in today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, who note how a combination of composure with the ball at his feet and a lack of fear expressing himself has allowed the 26-year-old to shore up the backline.
Onana is certainly not a keeper who is afraid to play with the ball in possession, and this has occasionally caused problems for the former Ajax keeper.
The Cameroonian was dropped from his national team’s squad during the World Cup due to a dispute with coach Rigobert Song and coaching staff over his insistence on playing proactively in possession.
However, the Gazzetta notes, Onana has never had any such problems with coach Simone Inzaghi at Inter.
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old has occasionally caused anxiety for the San Siro faithful with how casually he plays the ball, such as a couple nervy moments in the first ten minutes against Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday.
However, the overall effect of Onana’s confidence in possession has been a net positive for the Nerazzurri, as has his confidence claiming crosses.
The keeper has been a more proactive and aggressive presence from his position than Samir Handanovic had been, and this has given a new dimension that has allowed the backline to cohere very well.
It has taken a big personality for Onana to play in the manner he does, and the Cameroonian has never been afraid to say what he thinks on the pitch.
On Wednesday against Porto, Onana defended himself after teammate Edin Dzeko criticized him for failing to play a pass, and an argument ensued.
As the Gazzetta notes, this is just a further example of how the Nerazzurri goalkeeper has injected a fiery temperament into the team, and on the whole has helped him settle in and quickly make an impact.