Belgium must be given time to emulate Golden Generation, says Onana

Amadou Onana is happy to accept leadership responsibilities for Belgium’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, but called for patience with the Red Devils’ current crop of players.

Onana has become an integral part of Belgium’s midfield since making his debut in June 2022, appearing a further 19 times, including at Euro 2024 earlier this year.

The 23-year-old has also impressed since his arrival at Villa Park from Everton in July, starting 12 of his 14 outings in all competitions for Unai Emery’s side.

Onana has registered the most interceptions (16) for the Villans in the Premier League this season, while only Youri Tielemans has won more tackles (18) than the Belgian midfielder (15) in the top-flight.

But his importance has now transferred to the international stage, and with two must-win Nations League encounters on the horizon, Onana is happy to lead his side from the front.

“Many players see me as a leader and I have to show that on the pitch. That won’t change,” Onana said.

“The coach expects the same from me. I have a good understanding with him.”

First training session, first winners. pic.twitter.com/o0gQ9sJa3M

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 12, 2024

Onana’s influence on the national side has increased in recent months, as the Red Devils aim to emulate the ‘Golden Generation’ that impressed at major tournaments.

Kevin De Bruyne has taken over as the captain of the team but has since asked for time off from the national team due to managing his workload.

Domenico Tedesco, however, has recalled Romelu Lukaku to his latest squad, with the Napoli striker missing Belgium’s opening four games of the Nations League.

Along with De Bruyne, Lukaku played a huge role in Belgium’s rise on the international stage, becoming the nation’s all-time record goalscorer in the process.

Belgium, however, fell at the round of 16 stage at Euro 2024 against France in another disappointing major tournament campaign, though Onana said supporters should give the new-looking side time to gel.

“We cannot be compared, it is a different era. We have to be given time to make our mark,” said Onana. “Personally, I think there should be a bit more patience.

“Everyone is talking about that golden generation, but success in 2018 was not created in 2018, but rather long before that, in 2010.

“Do you understand? We also need time to make our mark.

“I think you cannot compare these youngsters with the stars of that time. There are a lot of young boys coming in. That’s good for Belgian football. We can be quite satisfied.”

Belgium know defeat to Italy on Thursday will end their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Nations League, with the Red Devils currently on four points in Group A2, five points behind second-placed France.