For me, I genuinely feel that Lamare Bogarde is now ahead of Amadou Onana, and that’s not a statement I make lightly. Watching both players closely over the past few months, especially in the context of this season, Bogarde has shown qualities that make him look more complete, more consistent, and frankly, more impactful in key moments. 👏
When I watched Onana against Tottenham, I wasn’t particularly impressed. He had flashes of physical dominance, as he often does, but overall, his performance lacked control, composure, and influence in the midfield battle. Onana’s game has always been built around his power, his athleticism, and his ability to break up play — but lately, those strengths haven’t been translating into consistent performances. He can win tackles, yes, but too often he looks positionally uncertain or unsure with the ball. For a player who was expected to take a big step forward this season, he’s been somewhat underwhelming since his transfer.
Bogarde, on the other hand, has been quietly exceptional. His growth this season has been nothing short of impressive. While he might not have Onana’s physical frame or reputation, what he does have is football intelligence, positional awareness, and composure well beyond his years. Every time he steps onto the pitch, he looks calm, measured, and in full control of his surroundings. He doesn’t panic under pressure, he reads the game beautifully, and he’s improving game by game. That kind of maturity in such a young player is a huge credit to both him and his coaching team.
What really stands out about Bogarde is his ability to influence play from deep positions. His passing range is excellent — short, sharp passes to keep possession ticking, but also those vertical balls that break lines and open up space. Defensively, he’s disciplined, rarely caught out of position, and he has that instinctive knack for anticipating danger before it develops. These are the traits of a top-class holding midfielder in the making.
Comparatively, Onana seems to rely too heavily on physicality rather than decision-making. It’s not that he’s a bad player — far from it — but at this stage, Bogarde simply looks more reliable and more in tune with the rhythm of the game. There’s an assurance to his play that gives confidence to the rest of the team.
It’s also important to note how impressive it is that Bogarde, still so young, has outshone a Premier League midfielder who cost significant money and has far more top-flight experience. That says a lot about his mindset and dedication.
So yes, for me, Lamare Bogarde is ahead of Amadou Onana right now — not just because of form, but because of consistency, intelligence, and composure. It’s a credit to Bogarde’s development and to the way he’s grasped every opportunity given to him. If he continues like this, he’s on course to become a top midfielder for years to come. 👏
