Everton’s $36M Midfielder Shares How Liverpool Veteran Helped Shape His Growth
In a city where football allegiances run deep and every derby carries immense weight, few cross-club dynamics feel as intriguing as the one forming between Everton’s Amadou Onana and Liverpool icon Jordan Henderson. Onana, the 23-year-old Belgian signed from Lille in 2022 for a club-record £33 million (around $36 million), has long admired the former Liverpool captain. Now, in a rare, open conversation ahead of the 249th Merseyside derby, he has revealed just how pivotal Henderson’s influence has been on his development — and on his ambition to become a central figure in Everton’s revival.
“People assume that because I wear blue, anything red is the enemy,” Onana says with a grin at Finch Farm. “But football doesn’t work like that. Henderson was someone I studied every week when I was in Germany and Belgium. His leadership, his work rate, his standards — that’s what separates great players from the rest.”
Henderson, now 35 and nearing the close of a decorated Liverpool career before a likely move overseas, has spoken warmly of Onana in return, calling him “the type of midfielder top clubs are built around.” But for Onana, the lessons go beyond public praise. During shared international camps, Henderson offered guidance that the Everton star believes will define the next phase of his career.
“He stopped me after a Belgium session in 2023,” Onana recalls. “I’d played well, but I’d switched off for a bit. He didn’t lecture me. He asked: ‘Do you want good games, or do you want a career people rely on for a decade?’ Then he showed me clips — Gerrard, Alonso, himself — doing the hard things no one notices. He said leadership isn’t about armbands; it’s about doing the things others avoid, consistently.”
The message stuck. Onana’s output has risen notably this season: he’s covering more ground, winning more duels, and demonstrating a growing presence within the squad. Teammates have noticed the shift — James Tarkowski recently called him “the first name on the teamsheet,” while Abdoulaye Doucouré praised his demanding standards in training.
But Onana is clear that being inspired by Henderson doesn’t mean mirroring him. “He’s English football to the core — energy, grit, mentality. I’m shaped by Dakar, Brussels, Hamburg. My game has rhythm, flair. But I take from him the discipline and the team-first mentality. Talent opens the door; consistency keeps you inside.”
Despite Everton’s financial concerns and persistent transfer rumours linking him to clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich, Onana insists he remains grounded. “I know what Everton paid. Fans remind me all the time!” he laughs. “But pressure is a privilege. Henderson taught me that too. People questioned him when he joined Liverpool. He turned that pressure into trophies. I want to turn my early criticism into something the fans sing about someday.”
Monday’s derby at Goodison — the last before the club moves to Bramley-Moore Dock — could be one of the final times Onana and Henderson face off. Henderson is set to return from suspension as Liverpool push to stay in the title race, while Onana aims to lead Everton through a crucial moment in their season.
“I want him to walk off the pitch knowing nothing came easy,” Onana says firmly. “But whatever happens, I’ll thank him. Some players you battle. Some you learn from. He’s both.”
As the interview ends, Onana is asked whether he sees himself reaching Henderson’s level of longevity and influence. His response is instant.
“I believe I can,” he says. “He’s shown it for twelve years. Now it’s my turn. Watch.”
In a rivalry often defined by division, Onana’s respect for Henderson stands out. Two midfielders separated by age, club and background — yet connected by a shared understanding of leadership and responsibility. And as Everton look ahead to a new era, the lessons passed quietly from red to blue may yet help shape the rise of a midfielder whose $36 million price tag could one day feel insignificant compared to what he becomes.